“My child doesn’t like vegetables!”, “My kid is such a picky eater!”. These are common complaints from parents with preschool-aged children. So, how can we create a weekly meal plan for preschoolers that is both nutritious and appealing to their taste buds? Join me, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, with over 12 years of experience in early childhood education, as we uncover the secrets!
Creating a meal plan for preschoolers is more than just choosing dishes; it’s an art. It requires understanding children’s nutritional needs, skillful cooking, and the patience and love of parents. There’s a saying, “good eating and good sleeping are heavenly blessings,” and it’s true. A balanced diet is the solid foundation for a child’s comprehensive development.
Sample Weekly Meal Plan for Preschoolers
Below is a sample meal plan that parents can refer to and adjust to suit their child’s taste and needs:
Monday: Start the Week Energetically
- Breakfast: Minced meat porridge, yogurt
- Lunch: Rice, crab soup with Malabar spinach, braised fish in clay pot, banana for dessert
- Afternoon: Flan cake, fresh milk
Tuesday: Add Some Color to Meals
- Breakfast: Beef vermicelli soup (Bun Bo), fresh milk
- Lunch: Rice, pumpkin soup with minced meat, fried egg, watermelon for dessert
- Afternoon: Yogurt, cookies
Wednesday: Change it Up with Hometown Flavors
- Breakfast: Chicken pho, yogurt
- Lunch: Rice, loofah soup with pork, tofu in tomato sauce, apple for dessert
- Afternoon: Pate baguette, soy milk
Thursday: Replenish Energy for the Day
- Breakfast: Instant noodles with egg, fresh milk
- Lunch: Rice, mustard green soup with minced meat, caramelized pork belly, orange for dessert
- Afternoon: Sweet green bean soup, yogurt
Friday: Enjoy the Taste of the Sea
- Breakfast: Shrimp porridge, yogurt
- Lunch: Rice, seaweed soup, crispy fried fish, mango for dessert
- Afternoon: Sponge cake, fresh milk
Saturday: Kid’s Day, Delicious Treats
- Breakfast: Sticky rice with chicken (Xoi Ga), yogurt
- Lunch: Rice, sour fish soup, boiled pork, custard apple for dessert
- Afternoon: Ice cream, yogurt
Sunday: Warm Family Meal
- Breakfast: Steamed rice rolls (Banh Cuon), soy milk
- Lunch: Rice, chicken soup, sweet and sour ribs, grapes for dessert
- Afternoon: Fried donuts, fresh milk
Important Notes When Creating a Meal Plan
According to Ms. Pham Thi Hoa, a nutritionist at the National Institute of Nutrition, in her book “Nutrition for Preschoolers,” creating a meal plan for children requires ensuring variety in food and balance among nutrient groups. Don’t forget to add plenty of green vegetables, fruits, and milk for your little one. “Like water off a duck’s back,” don’t force your child to eat too much at once; instead, divide meals into smaller portions and create a joyful atmosphere during meal times.
Some Great Tips for Moms
- Regularly vary the dishes to prevent boredom.
- Decorate dishes attractively to stimulate your child’s appetite.
- Involve your child in the meal preparation process.
- Encourage your child to eat vegetables by telling stories about them.
There’s a very interesting story about a little girl named Mi who was very picky about vegetables. Her mother cleverly “transformed” collard greens into “magical mushrooms” in a fairy tale. From then on, Mi loved eating vegetables and always looked forward to new stories from her mother. A small story, but it teaches a big lesson, doesn’t it?
Choose Clean, Safe Food
There’s an old saying, “Sickness enters through the mouth,” so choosing clean, safe food for your child is extremely important. Prioritize fresh foods with clear origins. “A stitch in time saves nine,” investing in your child’s health is investing in the future.
Hopefully, the above sharing has provided parents with more useful information in creating a weekly meal plan for preschoolers. Taking care of your child’s nutrition is a long journey that requires patience and love. Please contact Phone Number: 0372999999, or visit the address: 234 Hao Nam, Hanoi. We have a 24/7 customer care team. Wishing your little ones always eat well and grow up quickly!