Lunch instead of canteen

If mum and dad work, they are dependent on their children being well fed at lunchtime, for example in the after-school care centre or in the canteen. Another option would be to join forces with other parents and take it in turns to offer lunch. For example, Leonie's mum cooks for her daughter and her two friends on Tuesdays, while her parents take their turn on Thursdays and Fridays.
At the beginning, there is a little more planning and organisation involved, but as soon as everyone is clear about how, where and when, things can be very relaxed. This model has many advantages for adults and children alike: Those who don't have to cook are given personal freedom, children grumble less when eating together and, especially for single children, it can be a new experience to eat together with other children.

But what to cook when it's not just your own hungry children at the table? Cooking the same menus over and over again can quickly bore you as a cook. That's why it's worth knowing some popular children's menus and serving them up:

• Burger mit selbstgemachten Ofen-Frites
• Mini-Pizzas im Racletteofen
• Hörnliauflauf
• Omeletten salzig und süss
• Riz Casimir
• Toast Hawaii

When you get together with other parents, it is important to exchange ideas. Preferences, allergies and intolerances must be communicated.
If several children eat together, table rules are essential. It is clear that the same rules do not apply everywhere. Your rules apply at home, whereas different rules apply away from home. Of course, it is an advantage if all parents have similar ideas about table manners, otherwise discussions are inevitable.

Many children = many flavours

When several children eat together, different preferences come together. For example, your daughter may normally refuse to eat potatoes, but if her friend likes potatoes, she may want to try them too.
Don't take it personally if your son dislikes carrots at home but loves carrot salad out and scoops up two portions at once. Different preparation methods can make a meal taste completely different and suddenly appeal to your child. Just be happy that they are eating well when they are out. It has nothing to do with your cooking skills.

One day the children are in a good mood after school, the next they are upset. Be prepared for this!

As a host or hostess, you are not only confronted with different tastes, but also with changing sensitivities: One day the children are upbeat and cheerful after school, the next they are upset and sad. Be prepared for this. The task that you then have - to absorb the children's emotions - is a demanding one. Greet the children with a smile and make 100 per cent time for lunch together.
The children can also be involved in the preparations and take some of the pressure off you with simple tasks such as preparing salads. A favourite ritual: every week a different child can decide on the menu - in consultation with you.

Multiculturalism on the plate?

Especially when different cultures or eating habits come together, unfamiliar foods or dishes are brought to the table. This allows your child to get to know new cultures and flavours. It also teaches respectful behaviour and tolerance towards new cultures. Unfamiliar dishes and exotic foods can arouse your child's interest. Your son or daughter may also want to cook a foreign dish at home, which in turn is a benefit and broadens the culinary horizons of the whole family.
In this way, lunch can open up a new world of different cultures, dishes and flavours for your children and be combined with fun and enjoyment.

Rules make life easier:

• The meal begins when everyone is seated at the table.
• The cook scoops, the child determines the quantity. Basic rule: It's better to scoop a little twice than a lot once.
• Lunch only ends when everyone has finished eating and is full.
• The words «please» and «thank you» are used to show appreciation for the cook.

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More about cooking and nutrition:

• Little chefs Cooking with children is fun - if you follow a few tips!
• All at one table Tastes are different, but the choice of meal should not always be a concert of wishes ...