Kids lunch - 3 yrs and 15 months

[BlooberryBiskits]

Hi All - could I please get a quick sense check on food for some kids age 3 & 15 months

Having an adult party at the weekend, there will be 3 x 3 yr olds (all summer born so I guess 3 yrs & 3 months or so) and 1 child of 15 months

Am planning a ‘kids table’ so can feed the kids and then they can play and adults can relax over our lunch with several glasses of wine. One of the mums (of one of the older kids) is a bit uptight about food /was horrified when I offered her DC a Fruit Shoot a few months ago so wanted to make sure I’m serving an inoffensive but balanced meal to the kids … all kids in my family are much older so can’t really remember what they ate!

Plan so far

• crudites (cucumber/carrot sticks, halved cherry Tom’s)
• dough balls
• plain humus, plain Philadelphia
• sliced mild cheese
• bread sticks
• ? sliced baguette & butter

(or could do sandwiches, or margherita pizza?)

• strawberries (and birthday cake later)

Is this enough? Do you think I should add something more high protein? Or more in the way of hot food? And will the smaller child be ok with these foods? (No allergies or SEN for any of the kids)

Drinks - water or apple juice

I also have both fruit winders & Pom bears in (for my older DNs) but I think these kids are a bit young for these?

@MarianneVos : kids will be playing in eye sight (open plan living room/diner)

I usually do a hot buffet but it’s a birthday lunch & the birthday person has requested a roast dinner

@MarianneVos : PS - I do totally agree with you re hot buffet btw, we had the same group over during the summer and that worked extremely well - I have more outdoor seating and a second larger dining table in a summer house

I may open up the summer house so we can have birthday cake in there at least as it’s meant to be dry on Sunday, but for the meal think we are stuck at a too small table trying to make it work 😔

I think what you’ve provided is fine, maybe through in pizza or something else with more protein (mine wouldn’t have eaten ready cooked chicken though) instead of just loads of bread.

I would have all that on offer, but honestly, I’d expect mine to be offered a roast as well if that’s what the adults are having. mine have eaten roasts from 6 months. Picky eaters may not be keen and some just like to graze, but I would like the option to feed them a hot lunch if that’s what grown ups are eating.

You sound lovely and very accomdating! I'd be more than happy with a roast, or picky bits for my toddler. Just happy not to cook

Mine would have preferred the roast. Some little kids struggle with baguette as the outside is too chewy.

Have you got a garden table you can bring inside to add to the main table with a cloth over?

I would offer snacks but keep meal at same time for everyone. 1:30 is a normal lunchtime on the weekends for many people. If offering cheese before cake, kids can have that too. They don’t need separate food. Or bland food. Mine love a cheese board.

Thank you @mindutopia , @PuttingDownRoots and @QuiltedHippo: I think I will make sure I make enough of the main meal for the kids to have some too

I may have a look for some small bread rolls as well as the baguette… off to do the shop shortly

I think this is an awful lot of work, I am an accomplished cook and would not attempt all this.
The secret to a relaxed time is having everything prepped beforehand, with a roast this is not possible.
I would do 1 pot meals for the children and adults.
Fish pie, shepherds pie,lasagne,chicken and leek pie, pasta bake etc.

That’s just bread and a few other bits. Mine would have been looking for the actual food. Don’t let judge woman dictate your choices, they definitely need more than that miserable spread. Tbh, I’m also unsure why you think a roast is ‘ambitious’ for them.

Maybe mine are super needy or badly brought up but they wouldn't be happy playing on their own while the adults ate! I'd be constantly mithered for food so it would make it hugely easier if they were eating at the same time.

Perhaps they ones you know are more independent or less greedy!

My almost 3yo would love a roast and would not play without adult interaction for long enough for me to eat a decent meal (she does take ages to eat as she gets through a lot so I'd finish before her!)

My friend's almost 3yo would be wanting to sit on her knee, go off and play, would maybe sit for 10 minutes?

Can you just ask the parents what would work well for their kids both in terms of food/timings? Give two options (and make sure you're happy with either so it's not extra work for you that you don't want to do!) Kids are all pretty different.

I have a small plastic table and chairs (toddler size) - maybe one of the families would have something similar that they could bring and the kids could sit at?

Hi @Yesthatismychildsigh - thanks, I have decided to serve the kids a roast

@KatieKat88 , @MarianneVos : It’s a through room so hopefully the kids will be distracted with toys & a bubble machine so we can eat… I will put the parents at that side so they can watch/get up (v v tight on space!!)

@KatieKat88 : I had not even thought about the table being too high 😂 I have a couple of lower chairs and a coffee table which may have to do!

@Sago1 : you’re not wrong! I’m planning to do as much prep a possible tonight

If you're determined to do different timings I would offer the parents the option of eating with the kids - one of us doing that would be far preferable to me than eating a stone cold roast/or burning my mouth trying to eat it quickly enough that DH can have his turn! Would that be feasible?

I wouldn't worry too much about table height, they are likely to be fine with sitting on a cushion or similar or I would be bringing boosters with me. Unless using the coffee table means you can do all the food together?

I don't understand why you're doing a whole load of separate food for the kids.

Just cook a roast and have everything in separate serving bowls so the parents can give the children as much/as little as they'd like, and have big bowl of bread and butter in the middle for anyone that's really fussy.

@thelobsterquadrille : I’m now deciding on that as the easier option, with some nibbles for adults & kids before. I’m used to pretty fussy kids so wasn’t sure they would go for it but their mum has said they will just have same as adults so that’s fine

@MarianneVos : thanks - will ask them

Thanks to all who replied on the thread: your suggestions have been v helpful

Why do you have to have children’s so called food.Only in this country do we have such weird ideas.Most adult food suitable for children.The children will love the roast,maybe have a few boiled potatoes if you wish.Children need to eat as a family eating what everyone else has variety is wonderful and also healthy.Enjoy.