Why do kids play with their food?

Has your kid ever played with their food?

Maybe they built a mash potato volcano, or maybe they like to draw a face on their hamburger with ketchup. I see a few virtual hands being raised. Well, you’re not the only one. In fact, you may be doing it even as an adult. Have you ever made bacon and eggs that look like a face? Or maybe your friend made you a Mickey Mouse pancake? The point is that it’s not bad to play with your food; presentation can make a meal inviting. If a person is interested in a meal and it looks appetizing, they will enjoy it much more.

In a recent episode of a podcast from “The Longest Shortest Time – Kids Eat What?”. They discussed what and how kids eat. One topic in particular that grabbed my attention was the infatuation with dunking food into a beverage. This got me thinking: why do kids do this? Well, as an adult we dunk cookies to enhance their flavor and soften the cookie. Perhaps that is the same idea when a child puts everything in their drink. The cookie that Mom and Dad gave me was better with milk, so why wouldn’t it have the same effect on broccoli? Remember that children are exploring and experimenting. If it was a good idea one time, they will try it over and over. Eating is work and maybe giving it a soak will be just what it needs. Have you ever experienced this? We would love to hear your stories and experiences! Will your kid drink the milk after dipping food into it? Ketchup milk is not my first choice, however I do enjoy strawberry milk. Why is that any less strange?