Cooking for children can be a serious challenge. Children can be very picky and resistant to trying new foods. I have always encouraged my kids to at least taste new foods and give them a chance. And in all honesty, sometimes I have needed to use bribery to make that happen. But often, despite your most valiant attemps, your kids will simply refuse to eat all but a few foods.
In addition to the challenges presented when kids are picky eaters, there is also the challenge of tired parents. Parenting kids can be exhausting. And on top of working in or out of the home (and that includes being a stay-at-home mom, which is seriously hard work), making fancy or elaborate meals may not be in the cards. Sometimes you have to think inside the box for kid-friendly, easy dinners. Yep, inside the box in the freezer. And even though I love cooking flavorful and experimental dishes, there have been just as many nights, if not more, that have required a simpler approach to dinner.
Even now, with my kids bigger, these are still some of their favorite meals. I know this because they tell people. Even though I wrote a cookbook and everything! They still love the meals that include chicken nuggets, fish sticks or fries. So, never feel sorry or guilty for feeding your family full of little, picky eaters a delicious meal of chicken nuggets and fries. They will eventually grow up and appreciate other foods and you will hopefully be a touch less tired. But if you are having a bit of that mom-guilt, do what my friend and I used to do: rename them. We would serve battered and fried filet of fish (fish sticks) or breaded chicken cutlets (chicken nuggets) along side some gourmet potato wedges ( French fries). Throw some pasta alfredo (mac and cheese) into the mix and you will have some delicious "gourmet" meals that even your little kids will love.
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