Real Mums

Andrea Mclean

Daughter Amy, 2 yrs 3 months and son Finlay, 7yrs.

"I know good nutrition is important right from the start, yet it is incredibly hard to always feed toddlers perfect nutritionally balanced meals - even with the best of intentions. The 'terrible twos' can test all mums - especially at mealtimes - but they can't be in charge when it comes to food. We're the adults and we need to make the right choices for our toddlers.

So, what are the right choices? There is advice out there, but in my experience, you do have to go looking for it. It seems after the weaning stage you're left to figure it out for yourself. It can be very confusing.

That's why I'm supporting the Little People's Plates initiative - because it gives clear advice as well as practical tips and tools, to help us mums understand what we should be feeding our toddlers. As a mum, it is a natural instinct to want to 'feed 'em up'. That's what mums do isn't it?!

The biggest lesson I've learnt is that my children hate food that is mashed together. So, instead of lovingly crafting a fish pie I need to keep the ingredients separate on the plate. If I'm making special kids' teas I'll make my own fish fingers and chicken dippers and serve with veg but I do add a dollop of ketchup on the side- my theory is that it's better that they are eating peas with a bit of ketchup than no vegetables at all!

You don't need to slave over a hot stove every day to provide a healthy diet. It's all about balance. There are some really good things in the shops that are made just for toddlers, and these days they must meet strict nutritional guidelines too. That's the key thing whatever you serve them, make sure it's right for them - their age, their stage and their nutritional requirements.