Family Learning Summer Programme – Week 1 Challenge

• Model to your family how important being healthy and active is by taking part, if you are not used to frequent exercise start small, and for when you need a rest, be an appreciative audience and encourage them.

• When trying a new food, make sure it is a small amount, in addition to their normal snack/meal and have it placed separately so as to not contaminate the rest of their food.

• Remember not to make it a battle when trying new things – encourage, praise the small achievements and keep it simple and short, children’s attention spans, even as teenagers is less than 20 minutes!

• Trying things that are new can be difficult for some children, but the art of trying builds resilience and is incredibly importance for children’s development. Help them to keep trying. Practice makes progress!

• It takes at least 20 times to try something new before a) your taste buds change b) you decide whether it is something you enjoy or may have a skill at. Stickability is an important skill, help children stick at things and keep going, even when it might be a bit tough.

As this is all about being healthy and active, why not try an easy pancake recipe – but with no syrup allowed. Instead let them experiment with natural sugars found in fruit. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and for those children who struggle with textures, why not blend them with yoghurt so that it can be poured over the pancake. You can even get children involved in decorating them or flipping them.

Ingredients:

• 100g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 300ml milk
• 1tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil, plus a little extra for frying
• Lemon, wedges, to serve (optional)
• caster sugar, to serve (optional)

Method:

1. Put 100g plain flour, 2 large eggs, 300ml milk, 1 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil and a pinch of salt into a bowl or large jug, then whisk to a smooth batter.
2. Set aside for 30 mins to rest if you have time or start cooking straight away.
3. Set a medium frying pan or crepe pan over a medium heat and carefully wipe it with some oiled kitchen paper.
4. When hot, cook your pancakes for 1 min on each side until golden, keeping them warm in a low oven as you go.
5. Decorate with fresh or defrosted frozen fruit, make it as pretty as you can, we eat with our eyes as much as our mouth!