10 Back-To-School Recipes To Make Your Kids Happy
When everyone is getting ready to go back to school, each meal of the day requires special attention. Breakfast is, of course, an important one to start planning ahead for, as our kids need to be well fed and energetic as they head toward the bus. Lunch is also a vital meal to think about, too, whether your kids are eating the school lunch or you're packing one for them. Even after-school snacks need a lot of special attention, because there are sports, tutoring, and activities that your kids need to be well fed for.
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And then there's dinner. Along with breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks, dinner is an important meal for you to pay attention to in order to ensure that your kid has a successful school year. No matter what age your child is, it's important to make sure they're eating a well-balanced and healthy dinner, whether it's to fuel up for a big test or a game. Research has shown that when families eat together, kids are more likely to eat healthier and less likely to become obese. And for those parents pulling on the leash of a teen or two, a recent study conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that when kids eat dinner with their family, they're less likely to use drugs, drink, or smoke cigarettes. By providing your kids with a nutritious and homemade meal, you're ensuring that they have a healthy and productive school year.
As any good parent knows, though, getting your kids to eat a nutritious meal isn't as easy as it might be for you to step into the kitchen. Just because you tell them countless times that sautéed squash or spinach is good for them, it doesn't mean that they'll eat it. Getting your kids to eat right means keeping them happy and keeping it easy for you, and that's why these 10 recipes are perfect for firing up their taste buds on a school night.
Sometimes it's all about giving a new vision to a classic, which is why the Hopeless Housewife Erika Monroe-Williams turned basic ravioli into a handheld treat. Other times, it's important to keep it easy for you, like with these no-bake nachos that are stacked with all of the essentials and are just as delicious cold. Last but not least, health is important, and The Sneaky Chef Missy Chase Lapine makes sure your kids are getting the nutrition they need in old-school favorites like chicken nuggets and sloppy Joe sliders.
Making sure your kids eat a nutritious dinner is all about keeping them happy, and these recipes will help you do it. In the end, they'll make you happy, too.
Anne Dolce is the Cook editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @anniecdolce