It's that time of year! For a lot of families, including my own, our kids are headed back to school.
It's great to think of back to school as a sense of renewal, a chance for our kids to learn and grow, make new friends, and explore new things. It's a time to set goals, establish routines, and embrace new opportunities!
Aside from school, this is a great time to set our kids up for healthy habits.
Teaching kids to like fish can be a fun and rewarding process. Fish is a nutritious food source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some tips to help kids develop a liking for fish:
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Start Early: Introduce fish to your child's diet from an early age. Babies and toddlers are more receptive to new flavors, so try offering them mild-tasting fish in small portions.
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Use Appealing Preparations: Prepare fish in ways that your child might already enjoy. For example, you can make fish sticks, fish tacos, or fish sandwiches using familiar ingredients. My kids LOVE Mac & Cheese as do so many other kids, so try this Bullwhip Mac & Cheese recipe that I created that includes our very own smoked salmon!
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Involve Them in Cooking: Get your child involved in the cooking process. Let them help you choose a recipe, wash ingredients, or even mix a marinade. When kids are engaged in the cooking process, they might be more curious and open to trying the final dish.
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Experiment with Flavors: Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to enhance the taste of the fish. Lemon juice, dill, garlic, and mild spices can add extra flavors that kids might enjoy. Try these Baha Halibut Tacos that have great flavor and a recipe that your kids will sure enjoy!
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Positive Role Modeling: Kids often mimic the eating habits of adults and older siblings. If they see you enjoying fish, they might be more inclined to try it themselves. This whole 30 avocado salmon happens to be one of mine and my kids favorite!
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Make it Fun: Create a fun and interactive mealtime experience. Arrange fish pieces in creative shapes or designs on the plate to make the dish visually appealing.
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Gradual Exposure: If your child is hesitant about fish, introduce it gradually. Start with small portions as a side dish along with familiar foods they enjoy.
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Serve with Favorite Sides: Pair fish with sides that your child loves, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice. This can make the overall meal more appealing.
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Celebrate Success: Praise your child when they try fish, even if they don't immediately love it. Encourage their efforts and acknowledge their willingness to try something new.
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Offer Variety: Explore different types of fish over time. Tuna, salmon, and trout offer different flavors and textures, so your child might find something they enjoy.
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Fish as Finger Food: Turn fish into finger foods that kids can easily pick up and eat. This can make the experience less intimidating and more enjoyable. Try out these delicious premade Thai Style Salmon Patties. These make the perfect finger food great for dipping into your favorite sauce.
Remember, every child is different, and their taste preferences can change over time. Be patient, keep offering fish in different ways, and avoid pressuring them to eat. The goal is to create a positive and enjoyable relationship with fish as a nutritious food option.
If you're looking to add some more fish into your freezer, head to our collection of fish categories where you can find a generous amount of delicious wild caught fish!
Try out our delicious sampler box that includes Halibut, Sablefish, and Salmon so you and your kids can have a variety to choose from when cooking up your next recipe!
