The assortment of colorful, vitamin packed veggies options are endless, so you really can’t go wrong.  Or, if you’re short on time, use whatever you can find in your produce and deli drawer and get creative! For a miniature version, assemble ingredients on a cracker for a colorful, spring time snack.

If your child tends to shy away from veggies, another tip for this kitchen activity is to make sure that you always have some preferred foods out while making your veggie butterflies.  For example, perhaps your child likes to eat cheese.  Start by building a butterfly with cheese triangle wings and use new or non-preferred foods such as a carrot for the body and sweet mini pepper antennas.

While making these with your kids, talk about the “sensory” aspects of the vegetables, cheese or meats.  What shape is it?  How does it feel?  What does it smell like? What does it taste like?  Listen to the sound of a crunchy carrot or crisp stick of celery when you break it or bite it.  Taking the time to talk about what to expect makes some new foods seem less scary.

Keep a mental note of the sensory characteristics of foods that your child prefers. Does your child prefer crunchy foods or softer textures?  Is there a preference for bold and spicy or bland and mellow flavors?

Other learning activities include talking about which animals eat the same types of veggies.  Perhaps pretend to be a bunny munching on a carrot or a koala eating leaves!

Keep in mind that when it comes to kids, it’s not uncommon for many children to reject anything green!  But that doesn’t mean they never will try it.  This is why it’s important to keep exposing them to healthy, nutritious choices.   Keep offering and providing exposure to fruits and veggies even if your kids are not at the point of taking a bite.  Exploring the sensory aspects of food textures, tastes and smells is all part of the eating continuum.