So, here it is, 2009.  I’m not sure how an entire year went by so quickly, but once again we find ourselves at the start of a brand new year, which means it’s time to make some New Year’s resolutions.

After the holidays are over, it’s easy to feel a little burned out. If you’re like me, you might hope that you never have to enter your kitchen again and that little elves will suddenly appear to do all the cooking for your family. The good news is that you might have little elves that can help (otherwise known as your children), but you will still have to help them get dinner ready.

Getting kids involved in the meal-making process is a great way to start off the year.  Not only will it help you out, it will teach them essential skills in the kitchen that may later encourage them to cook nutrient-rich meals for their own families.

Kids love to help with dinner preparations, so look for recipes that are easy to make and give them the chance to participate in the process. Try the BBQ Ranch Quesadilla Wedges and let them assemble the quesadillas before you cook them. Another good option is the Cheeseburger Pizza– imagine how excited that combo will make your kids? 

And you don’t have to stop with dinner. Teach your kids to make their own Crunchy Banana-Strawberry Parfaits for breakfast. This is a quick, easy and nutritious choice for busy families. Another great option is the Creamy Banana Walnut Oatmeal. I am a big fan of anything that contains an ingredient described as “instant.” 

In addition to enlisting the help of kids in mealtime preparation, another stellar way to kick off the year is to sit down as a family for mealtime. It’s a great time to catch up on the day and find out what’s really going on. One thing my family loves to do at mealtime is play the high-low game. We all take turns sharing the best part of our day and the worst part of our day.  It gets conversation going and we’re able to keep up with daily events.

One key to successful family dinners is to make meals that everyone will enjoy. If your kids are like mine, then you can’t go wrong with something like Cheesy Chicken Crunchers, otherwise known in our house as “homemade Dino Nuggets” with a side of Firecracker Smashed Potatoes. Or for days when you know you’re going to be busy, you can put your slow cooker to use and make Slow Cooker Fresh Veggie Lasagna with a side of garlic bread. And don’t forget dessert! Who won’t take time to linger around the dinner table if they know that there is a Cocoa-Berry Yogurt Tart waiting for them?

By involving your family in the cooking process and getting them to sit down at mealtimes as a family, you are giving them a great start to a new year. Sure, they may be hesitant at first because it’s something new and different, but I bet eventually they’ll come to appreciate the time spent together. And if they don’t, you can send them in the kitchen to do the dishes.

Happy New Year!