Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, I was a busy working parent juggling career demands, family responsibilities and the dreaded, never-ending to-do list. Even now, managing our home, planning meals and keeping up with everything my family needs takes serious time and energy. That’s where AI has been a game-changer for me.

What Is AI, and How Can It Help Parents?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around for a long time, and featured in many sci fi movies, but only in the last few years has it become more of an everyday support. Think of it as a super-efficient assistant that can answer questions, generate ideas and help streamline your workload. For busy moms, this means less time spent researching, planning and/or agonizing over decisions - and more time spent with your family.

How I Use AI as a Mom

Since incorporating AI into my daily life, I’ve found so many useful ways to help me stay organized, save time and reduce stress. Here are some of the most valuable ways I use it:

1. Meal Planning for the Whole Family

I used to spend too much time trying to come up with varied, healthy meal ideas that worked for my husband, toddler and myself. AI now helps me create meal plans that consider our dietary preferences and my son’s daycare lunches. It even helps me generate shopping lists so I don’t forget ingredients!

Prompt to try: “Create a weekly meal plan with easy, toddler-friendly lunches and family dinners. No bell peppers or curry.”

Bonus: Tell your AI tool what you have in your fridge and pantry and ask it to use what you have on hand. 

2. Quick Answers to Parenting Questions

From developmental milestones to weekend entertainment, sometimes I just need a quick answer without scrolling through endless search results. AI helps me find solutions fast - whether it’s a new activity to entertain my toddler or ideas for handling a nap transition.

Prompt to try:“ My 15-month-old is dropping to one nap. How should I adjust his schedule?”

Note: for any medical advice, please verify with a Doctor before proceeding with treatment.

3. Time-Saving Household Organization

Between managing a home and keeping up with my son’s needs, I’m always looking for ways to simplify. I’ve used AI to create structured weekly routines, decluttering checklists and even strategies for getting my husband more involved in household tasks.

Prompt to try: “Help me create a weekly home organization routine that includes meal prep, laundry, and daycare drop-offs.”

4. Personal Goals & Self-Care

Being a mom doesn’t mean I want to lose sight of my own goals. Whether it’s finding ways to be more active, planning a girls’ trip or picking up golf (so I can play 18 holes with my dad by 2026!), AI helps me break down my goals into actionable steps.

Prompt to try: “Create a simple weekly workout plan for a busy mom, including walking and light strength training.”

Why AI Works for Busy Moms

I know some people might feel hesitant about using AI, but for me, it’s been a way to lighten my mental load. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by decision fatigue, I can get quick, personalized suggestions and focus more on what really matters - spending time with my son, staying present and finding joy in everyday moments.

If you’re a busy mom looking for ways to simplify your life, I highly recommend giving AI a try. Start with a few prompts and see how it helps you save time and stress. You might be surprised at just how much of a difference it makes!

First observed in 1958, National Library Week, sponsored by the American Library Association, occurs each April. In 2025, it is celebrated April 6-12.

The San Mateo Public Library Foundation is spotlighting the programming that the Library offers, including many special events. There are quite a few kid- and family-friendly activities, including:

• Any time during March 1 - April 9, go on a self-paced scavenger hunt that involves visiting one or all three branches of the San Mateo Public Library (with a chance to prizes).
• On April 6, bring the whole family to check out all the library-related programming and performances at a festival in the main library, including storytime, a magic show, puppets, and music.
• On April 7, SF Shakes will be performing a shortened version of Romeo and Juliet geared toward students.
• Also on April 7, enjoy the first-ever Library Night with the SF Giants!
• Parents, test your knowledge at Trivia Night on April 11.
• To wrap it all up on April 12, bilingual educator and performer José-Luis Orozco will host an afternoon of community fun including live music and the winners of the children's poetry contest and scavenger hunt will be announced.

More details can be found at: www.sanmateocelebrates.com. Burlingame has events too!

After the week is over, visit the San Mateo Public Library to take advantage of its regular offerings. Did you know that you can:

• Attend book clubs and other meetups, as well as storytimes (including baby, toddler, family, and many more)
• Take your kids to watch movies (including after school movie clubs and Saturday morning cartoons)
• Sign up for crafting and other classes
• Borrow a California State Parks Pass and equipment (backpack kit and child carrier backpack kit)
• Access free seeds from the seed bank to plant in your garden
• Get assistance with your computer or electronic device from Tech Help
• Use or borrow various equipment, such as sewing machines, induction stove kits, portable photo studios, and lots more
• Reserve museum passes through Discover and Go

All of this is available for free, as long as you have a library card!

Free First Tuesday at the Conservatory of Flowers - San Francisco, April 1

Spring in the Garden at Cal Academy - San Francisco, April 1 – 28

First Thursday at SFMOMA - San Francisco, April 3

Curiodyssey First Friday Nights - San Mateo, April 4

Academy Day at Cal Academy - San Francisco, April 4

Spring Wildflower Hike at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve - Redwood City, April 4-5

Home Depot Kids Workshop – Bay Area, April 5

San Francisco International Chocolate Salon - San Francisco, April 6

Egg Adventure Hunt – Belmont, April 8

Waitress – San Jose, April 11-20

Bug Day at the Randall Museum - San Francisco, April 12

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival – San Francisco, April 12-13, 19-20

ZooKids – Oakland, April 12, 26

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, April 13, 27

Trains and Planes at Hiller – San Carlos, April 14

Eggstravaganza - San Mateo, April 19

Holi SplashOMania – Fremont, April 19

Elephant & Piggie's "We are in a Play!" Jr. – Palo Alto, April 24 – May 11

Once Upon A Mattress – San Jose, April 24-27

Cow Palace Spring Fair – Daly City, April 24-27

Earth Day Cleanup – San Mateo, April 26

Kids Night at the Museum – Santa Rosa, April 26

DogFest – San Francisco, April 26

Cal Sailing Open House – Berkeley, April 26

The Princess and the Frog – Palo Alto, April 26, 27

We are fortunate to have a wonderful group of members who have volunteered their time to serve on the SMPC Board. It’s a fun group to work with and a great way to make more parent/community connections. If you’re interested in helping out, we’re still looking for members to be part of one of the most teams, Events! Contact events@sanmateoparentsclub.org if interested.

Erika Reed President I live in Brisbane and have 1 daughter who is 22 months old. I have been the President for a little over a year. I was drawn to the club as a new mother because I was looking to make new parent friends who were going through the same crazy phase of life as myself. This is an all-volunteer organization and when the club was looking to fill roles, I felt compelled to step up. I've found many friends and support by joining and serving on the board. I loved our Trunk or Treat event at Halloween where I decorated my trunk like a farm - it was perfect for my toddler who had a blast going around to the different cars! For parents, I've especially loved the Little Llamas book club and trivia night!	Stephanie Hamilton Vice President My husband Victor and I are from Houston, TX and moved to San Mateo in 2021. We have one adorable 20-month-old named Alice and another baby girl on the way (due April 11th!). As VP, I support our members and volunteers wherever needed - but I am mainly focused on our yearly Preschool Fair! We maintain extensive info on our local preschools, so please feel free to contact me if you're going through the childcare selection process. This is one of the biggest benefits of being a part of the club! When I joined SMPC around this time last year, I was just trying to get out of the house with the baby to avoid going stir-crazy. But since then, my entire family has made great new friends, and I've found a lot of personal fulfillment participating in the Parents Club and local community. I hope the SMPC is able to do the same for you. We try to make it to every club event, so come say "Hi!" if you see us!
Wenjia Zhao Treasurer I live in San Mateo city, near Hillsdale. I have a toddler son who’s turning 3 in April! As Treasurer, I help the club manage its expenses, process reimbursements and payments, monitor its budget, and handle any other financial matters. I really enjoyed the events and wanted to help out. I’ve been a member of the Board since September 2023. My favorite SMPC event is the Highlands Pool Party! We really like the shallow kiddie pool, and the food at the party has been really tasty.	Sarah Portnov Fundraising I live in San Mateo. I have three kids - Alina (7), Stas (4.5), & Anya (2.5) I am the fundraising chair & I've been on the board for 2 years. I wanted to get more involved in the community & make some new friends. I love the Moms' Night Out events! Parents Trivia Night was really fun & the magic show in the park was a favorite for my family.
Luna Wei Membership I live in San Mateo with 1 child who is 11 months old. Just joined this February as membership coordinator so I've been on the board for just under a month! I joined because I want to invest in the causes and community I want to see more of. I actually haven't yet attended any official SMPC event but the playgroup I'm a part of has been so active and has organized their own events which have been so enriching to attend. We've done a 2025 vision planning event and floral arrangements that have been my favorites. It's an amazing group of parents.	Haidee Pang Playgroups/Parent Pairings/ Book Club I live in San Mateo and I have a 21-month-old boy named Mason. I am the Bookclub/Playgroup Coordinator and just recently started being in this position for a few months. I felt very isolated as a stay at home mom and thought this would be a great way to meet new people and be a part of something. Still learning the ropes but really excited to give back to this wonderful community! My favorite event has to be the CuriOdyssey party! It had everything I could ask for in an event: great food, awesome conversation, super fun science installations, and a raffle! Definitely cannot be beat.
Jeanette LeFevre Communications I live in San Mateo and have one son, Elliott, who is 17 months old I'm Communications co-chair so the newsletter and all things blog! I just joined the board this year because I want to be more involved and meet more local families! I've really enjoyed the parents night out but looking forward to more fun events in the future!	Elizabeth Wright Communications I live in San Mateo and have an 18-month-old daughter, Sophia. With Jeanette, I produce the monthly newsletter and write regular blog posts. I just joined in January because I really appreciate everything that the Club does and wanted to give back some time. Plus, it’s a fun group to work with! I think the Winter Party at CuriOdyssey has been my favorite event, though Trunk or Treat and some of the playgroup events are close seconds.
Xiao Li Social Media & Promotions Advertising & Discounts Hi! I'm Xiao Li, and I live in San Mateo. I had my first baby last November, and he’s now almost four months old. I am the Social Media and Advertising Coordinator and have been on the board for about six months. I first discovered the club while I was pregnant and looking for a local community of expecting parents and families. Since then, I’ve met many wonderful friends and families through both the board and the club. I’m grateful for such a welcoming and supportive community. So far, my favorite event has been the Ice-cream Social. Since my baby is still little, I haven’t had the chance to participate in many events yet, but I’m looking forward to bringing him to more activities in the years to come.	Hailey Weiss Community Service Coordinator I live in San Mateo and have one kiddo aged 2. I joined the board this year as the Community Service Coordinator and I was drawn to the role because I love meeting members of my community and giving back. My favorite SMPC events are the Moms Night Out and casual park events where kiddos get to run around and play together.
Olivia Allen-Price Events I live in San Mateo and have one son, Sullivan, who is 4, and another boy due in May. This is my second year as an events coordinator. I joined the board because I enjoyed the SMPC events I attended as a member and had ideas about some fun things the club could do! I see my service on the board as a way to invest in my community, and help make San Mateo an even better place to raise a family. Last year's Trunk or Treat event was such a display of creativity! From the costumes everyone wore, to the creative ways they decorated their cars. It was fun to share Halloween fun with the youngest members of our community, who might not be able to stay up late enough to try trick-or-treating door to door!	Ekta Badiyani Webmaster I live in Foster City and have 2 kids – a 4 year old and a 1 year old I'm the webmaster/tech admin on the board and have been on the board since 2022. Fellow board members and being involved in the community drew me to join the board. Lemos Farms' fall/Halloween event was my favorite. Great fun for the kids and adults!

Science Saturday – San Francisco, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Back to the Future: The Musical – San Francisco, March 1-9

Planetarium Shows at DeAnza College – Cupertino, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Magnificent Magnolias - San Francisco, March 1 - April 22

Butter Makin' at Ardenwood Fremont, March 1

Peninsula Camp Fair – Palo Alto, March 2

Open Cockpit Day – Oakland, March 2

Lunar New Year 5K/10K Run/Walk – San Francisco, March 2

Storytime Science for Kids: March Mathness - San Francisco, March 2, 9, 16

Kids Pasta Making Class – San Jose, March 4
Free First Friday at the History Museum – Redwood City, March 7

Camelot and Camelittle – San Carlos, March 7-9

Holi Festival – Milpitas, March 8

Giant’s Fan Fest – San Francisco, March 8

Noe Music Kids – San Francisco, March 8

North Bay Science Discovery Day – Santa Rosa, March 8

Family Nature Adventures: Bees – Oakland, March 8

Second Saturday on the Farm – Watsonville, March 8

Zoo Kids – Oakland, March 8, 22

Penguins and Pajamas Sleepovers at Cal Academy – San Francisco, March 8, 14

Tuck Everlasting by PYT – Mountain View, March 8-16

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, March 9, 23

Straw Rocket Workshop – San Carlos, March 9, 30

Bay Area Garden Railroad – San Carlos, March 15

Model Railroad Show – Walnut Creek, March 15

St. Patrick’s Day Parade – San Francisco, March 15

Family Fun at Happy Hollow – San Jose, March 15

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Dublin, March 15, 16

Flying Leprechaun Skydive – San Carlos, March 16

Family Farm Days at Slide Ranch – Muir Beach, March 15, 22

Celtic Celebration – Hayward, March 17

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza – San Jose, March 20

Family Cycling Workshop - Castro Valley, March 22

One Grain of Rice – Palo Alto, March 22, 23

Nowruz Around the World – San Jose, March 24

Boardwalk Fun Run – Santa Cruz, March 29

Spring Family Fun Day – Santa Rosa, March 30

Lunar New Year Celebration – Redwood City, Feb 1

Children Discovery Museum Lunar New Year – San Jose, Feb 1

Santana Row Lunar Year Celebration – San Jose, Feb 1

Filoli at Lunar New Year – Feb 1-12

Planetarium Shows at DeAnza College – Cupertino, Feb 1, 8, 22

Lunar New Year – Belmont, Feb 2

Black History Month at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, Feb 2-23

Home Depot Kids workshop – Foster City, Feb 3

StarLab Planetarium – San Carlos, Feb 8

Noe Music Kids – San Francisco, Feb 8

Valentine’s Fun Run – Campbell, Feb 8

Family Fun Days – Around The World– Los Altos, Feb 22

Family Nature Adventures – Oakland, Feb 10

Adventures of Tom Sawyer – San Jose, Feb 14-23

Chinese New Year Parade – San Francisco, Feb 15

Fun on the Farm – San Ramon, Feb 15, 22

Penguins and Pajamas Sleepovers at Cal Academy – San Francisco, Feb 15, 28

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, Feb 9, 23

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza – San Jose, Feb 20

Silicon Valley Auto Show – Santa Clara, Feb 21-23

Little Red Riding Hood – Palo Alto, Feb 22-23

Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off – Santa Cruz, Feb 22-23

San Mateo on Ice - San Mateo, open until January 12th

SF Chamber Orchestra's New Year's Day Concert – San Francisco, January 1

Chanukah Train – Santa Cruz, January 2

First Friday at Chabot: Blast Off – Oakland, January 3

First Friday at CuriOdyssey – San Mateo, January 3

First Friday at SM County History Museum – San Mateo, January 3

Community Game Night – San Jose, January 3

Fun on the Farm – Berkeley, January 4

Wake up the Farm – Fremont, January 4

The Physics Show – Los Altos Hills, January 4, 5, 11, 12

Glider Discovery Day – San Carlos, January 5

Storytime at the Foster Museum (Free) – Palo Alto, January 5, 19

Starlight Night at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, January 9

Puppylocks and the 3 Bears Puppet Show – Mill Valley, January 11

Berkeley Math Festival – Berkeley, January 11

Roundtable Reading: Breadcrumbs – Berkeley, January 11

Chinese New Year Traditions (Free) – Dublin, January 11

Second Saturday at Gamble Garden (Free) – Palo Alto, January 11

Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Palo Alto, January 11

El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos / Three Kings Day – San Jose, January 11

Storytime: Over in a River Flowing Out to the Sea – Los Gatos, January 11

2nd Saturday on the Farm – Watsonville, January 11

Planetarium Shows – Cupertino, January 11, 18, 25

Air Power Adventure at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, January 12

Naturalist Storytime – Berkeley, January 13

Aesop’s Fables – Mountain View, January 17, 18

Penguins and Pajamas Sleepovers at Cal Academy – San Francisco, January 17, 31

Music for Families ~ San Francisco, January 18

Finding Nemo by Pleasanton Youth Theater – Pleasanton, January 18

Music for Families – San Francisco, January 18

Lunar New Year Lion Dance – San Francisco, January 18

Black and Brown Comix Art Festival – San Francisco, January 18

Richmond District Lunar New Year (Free) – San Francisco, January 18

Super Soccer Stars Demo Class (Free) – San Francisco & Palo Alto, January 18

Giants FanFest Tour – Napa, January 18

Napa Lighted Art Festival – Napa, January 18-February 16

Harlem Globetrotters – San Jose, January 18

Family Fun at Happy Hollow – San Jose, January 18

Harlem Globetrotters – San Francisco, January 19

Super Soccer Stars Demo Class (Free) – San Francisco, January 19

Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Santa Rosa, January 19

Little Saigon Lunar New Year Festival (Free) – Oakland, January 19

MLK March – San Francisco, January 20

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Day – San Francisco, January 20

Health & Wellness Festival – San Francisco, January 20

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade – El Cerrito, January 20

Lunar New Year at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, January 24-26

Family Art Making – San Francisco, January 25

Lunar New Year Celebration at SF Zoo – San Francisco, January 25

Lunar New Year Festival – Santa Rosa, January 25

Lunar New Year Fest (Free) – Benicia, January 25

Salamander Search at Sanborn – Los Gatos, January 25

Lunar New Year Community Day (Free) – San Jose, January 25

Giants FanFest Tour – San Jose, January 25

Lunar New Year Festival (Free) – Millbrae, January 25-26

Beauty and the Beast – Palo Alto, January 25-26

James and the Giant Peach – San Francisco, January 26-March 1

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Palo Alto, January 29-February 16

Lunar New Year Celebration – San Jose, January 31

Peninsula

Classical Nutcracker Sweet 2024- Peninsula Ballet - San Mateo - Dec 7-8

Hip Hop Nutcracker 2024 - Peninsula Ballet –San Mateo - TBD

Classical Nutcracker Ballet 2024 - Peninsula Ballet - San Mateo - Dec 21-22

Ballet America Nutcracker 2024 – Redwood City, November 30, December 7-8

The Nutcracker Ramon Moreno School of Dance 2024 – Atherton, December 14-15

 

San Francisco

Nutcracker Sweet with Puppet Company – San Francisco, Berkeley,  November 30-Dec 1

San Francisco Youth Ballet – San Francisco, December 7-8

Nutcracker Sweets – San Francisco, December 7-22

San Francisco Ballet – San Francisco, December 6-18

Mission: Nutcracker Dance-Along Nutcracker – San Francisco, December 7-8

 

South Bay

Nutcracker "Sweet" Family Concert - Palo Alto, December 1

Pacific Ballet – Mountain View, November 29 - December 1

At Once Upon A Nutcracker – San Jose Dance Theater, December 6

The Nutcracker -  San Jose Dance Theater, December 6-15

The San Jose Nutcracker  - New Ballet & Symphony San Jose, Dec. 14-23

My Very First Nutcracker - San Jose, December 15, 22

Western Ballet – Mountain View, December 13-15

Los Gatos Ballet – Los Gatos, December 16-19

East Bay

Contra Costa Ballet's The Nutcracker – Walnut Creek, November 24-26

Nutcracker Sweet with Puppet Company - Berkeley,  November 26

Alameda Civic Ballet's The Nutcracker – Castro Valley, December 2

East Bay Dance Company's A Nutty Nutcracker: A Christmas Spectacular – San Ramon, December 3

Oakland Ballet – Oakland, December 21-22

Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker – Novato, December 7-8

Orinda Ballet Academy – Orinda, December 13-15

Berkley City Ballet – Berkley, December 21

Valley Dance Theatre – The Nutcracker – Livermore, December 14-22

Thanksgiving is stressful enough with kids to entertain and, perhaps, family in town.  Why add to that with a day full of cooking, not to mention the often last-minute grocery store runs to buy the ingredients you need. Take a well-deserved break and instead make a reservation for Thanksgiving dinner out at a restaurant, pick up a convenient takeout feast, or bring a delicious dessert to someone else’s party.

Make your Thanksgiving dinner reservations here

British Bankers Club

https://www.britishbankersclub.com/#about-1

The Thanksgiving dinner menu at the British Bankers Club in Menlo Park consists of a three-course meal, with entrée options ranging from a traditional herb roasted turkey, to braised beef short ribs and seafood options.  Dessert options include pumpkin pie, chocolate budino, and sticky toffee bread pudding.  Reservations are available as of November 4.

Harry’s Hofbrau

https://www.harryshofbrau.com/

If you want a classic Thanksgiving dinner, consider trying out Harry’s Hofbrau in Redwood City. You have the option of having the restaurant’s famous turkey or baked ham, which is served with a salad, dinner roll, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and glazed carrots or steamed vegetables. And for dessert, a slice of fresh pie. All of this for just $30.95 per person. Note the restaurant is not taking reservations.

Reposado

https://www.reposadorestaurant.com/#about

If you want to add a Mexican twist to your Thanksgiving dinner, Reposado in Palo Alto offers a prix fixe menu ranging from $54 to $78 depending on the entrée you select. While you can go with the roasted turkey option, you could also pick something a little outside the box, such as the chile poblano relleno, the braised lamb shank in chile broth, or the blue corn crepes filled with seafood and a poblano cream sauce. Reservations are available as of November 4.

Bring these Thanksgiving meals home

Rise Woodfire

https://www.risewoodfire.com/thanksgiving-turkey-feast/

For a traditional turkey dinner, Rise Woodfire in San Mateo has you covered. For $295, the restaurant’s turkey package feeds 12-14 people, featuring a wood-fired rotisserie turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, and more.  In addition, an add-on option for an approximately 4 lb prime rib is available for $190.  Orders must be made on or before November 24, with pick-up time slots on November 27 and 28.

Draeger’s

https://catering.draegers.com/items/category/thanksgiving-dinners?returnurl=%2fitems%2ffolder%2fthanksgiving%3freturnurl%3d%252f

Noting gets easier than ordering a turkey dinner, ham dinner, or prime rib dinner from Draeger’s in San Mateo.  In addition to the entrée, these meals come with mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean almondine, sweet potatoes, bread stuffing, cranberry relish, a dozen butter rolls, and a pumpkin pie. The turkey and prime rib dinners each serve 8-10 people for $369.99 and $374.99, respectively, while the ham dinner serves 10-12 people and costs $269.99. Note the store is closed on Thanksgiving day, and orders must be placed at least 2 days in advance.

Palette Tea Garden

https://www.paletteteagarden.com/

If you’re open to something more untraditional, or maybe you’d just like to add another meat option for your guests, consider ordering a Peking Duck from Palette Tea Garden in San Mateo. Who wouldn’t like a sumptuous roast duck with crispy skin, which comes with thin momo wrappers and cucumber, scallion, and hoisin sauce accompaniments? A half duck is $38, and a whole duck is $74.

Buy something delicious to bring to someone else’s dinner

Backhaus

https://www.backhausbread.com/pre-order

The Burlingame location of Backhaus is offering a selection of breads, desserts, and Thanksgiving sides available to pre-order for pick-up on November 27 or 28. There are many interesting options that will entice your host and the other guests, including roasted cranberry & sage butter, pumpkin tea bread, and pistachio raspberry croissants.

SusieCakes

https://susiecakes.com/thanksgiving/

Seasonal options for cakes and pies are abundant at SusieCakes. In addition to the standard pumpkin pie and pecan pie, other interesting options on the menu include pumpkin cheesecake and cranberry orange cake. Note that pre-orders must be placed by November 23 in order to be guaranteed for pick-up on November 27 (the bakery is closed on Thanksgiving day). There also will not be any walk-in Thanksgiving orders available on November 27.

Salt & Straw

https://saltandstraw.com/collections/monthly-menu-series

Not everyone likes pie. If you’re one of those people, why not bring over a few pints of ice cream from Salt & Straw? The November flavors are on point for a Thanksgiving meal – they include Parker House rolls with salted buttercream, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin spiced tiramisu, and turkey stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Written by Cate Graney, for Bebe Bitez

In today's discourse on childhood nutrition, the prevalence of picky eating among children underscores the critical role of parenting styles in shaping eating behaviors. Understanding how parenting styles influence food acceptance can empower families to cultivate positive eating habits and ensure children receive optimal nutrition from an early age!

1 in 4 toddlers/preschoolers are picky eaters. Picky eating causes a distortion of nutrient intake in children, potentially affecting growth, development, and overall healthy habits for the rest of their lives. 

Studies have found that picky children do not consume enough essential nutrients like fiber, zinc and iron, usually caused by a lack of vegetable intake. Picky eating in children can also lead to low energy levels from inadequate protein consumption, likely due to the aversion to the texture or taste of meat. Additionally, it makes the parents' lives more difficult when their children refuse to eat the meals prepared. 

In most circumstances, picky eating is actually taught, whether it's intentional or not. There are many different ways children can develop picky eating habits, including:

• Effects of inappropriate feeding techniques: pressuring, bribing and punishing children to eat their food instead of letting them listen to their bodies.

• Bad modeling: children will copy parents or peers' behaviors around food. If someone they respect refuses to try a certain food, it is likely they will do the same.

• No routine: Children need structure and are more likely to develop good eating habits if there is a certain meal routine. 

• Excessive intake of beverages like juice and milk: The sweetness of these drinks can reduce their appetite and lead to dependency on drinks instead of actual nutritious food.

While these are all ways children can be influenced into picky eating, new studies have found that parenting style has a huge impact on children's relationship with food.  

So how do I know if my parenting style is making my kid a picky eater?

There are three main types of parenting styles: Permissive, authoritarian and authoritative. These parenting styles translate to mealtime practices and habits and can potentially dictate food acceptance. 

Permissive: Are you a parent who loves their child dearly but lacks structure and boundaries? Permissive parents are known for imposing little rules on their kids. While it is important that your children have enough freedom to learn from and grow from their decisions, permissive parenting can make your kids picky eaters. 

• Supports picky eating behaviors, including behavioral issues related to mealtime etiquette, eating limited foods and drinking liquids instead of food. Children of permissive parents are the most likely to become picky eaters because of a lack of exposure and structure.

• Lacking modeling and monitoring, the study shows that permissive parenting likely involves bribing at the table or making a new meal if the child disapproves of the current one.

• Unhealthy practices like turning mealtime into a game to persuade eating and not actually teaching about the food 

Authoritarian: Are you a parent who has certain expectations/rules and little room for negotiations with your children? Authoritarian parents are known for having very well behaved children, but such strict rules around the dinner table can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food. 

• Lack of trust in food can lead to picky eating. Children of authoritarian parents may struggle when food is not to their liking. In these circumstances, picky eating looks less like a refusal to eat and more like crying/getting upset, cringing and being suspicious of food. 

• Pressure to eat or restriction on food can be extremely damaging to these children. Negative mealtime strategies like withholding favorite foods, pressuring the child to finish their whole meal can cause a harmful relationship with food.

Authoritative: Are you a parent who is a mix of both of these parenting styles? Authoritative parents usually have a nurturing relationship with their children that is expressed by clear guidelines and expectations. Scientists say that this parenting style is most effective in creating a healthy relationship with food and limiting picky eating behaviors. 

• A better relationship with picky eating. While picky eating can still occur in children of authoritative parents, it is more likely that the child will communicate exactly what they don't like about the meal and be more susceptible to trying new things.

• Modeling, monitoring and perception of responsibility are all highly valued in authoritative parenting and will likely result in children who actually look forward to mealtime and trying new foods.

What now?

I’m not going to sit here and tell you how to parent your child; at the end of the day, it is each family's choice what style works for them. But if you are looking to improve or diversify your child’s palette, we must look at the facts. There is a clear way to positively influence your child's relationship with food and ensure that they are receiving the best nutrition possible. At Bebe Bitez, we know how important it is to expose our children to an array of foods. Ultimately all parents have the goal of creating kind and responsible, self-sufficient humans. These habits and choices start at the kitchen table.

Re-posted with permission from Bebe Bitez (https://www.bebebitez.com/), a Bay Area-based baby food company focused on providing healthy, locally sourced, and organic meals for infants, toddlers, and young children.