We’re sharing the ultimate, interactive snack tray that every kid will love… and you will too in this post sponsored by Disney Junior. This summer Iām excited to partner with them to bring you a series of fun, simple, do-able recipes inspired by fun FRiYAY programming!
My kids love snacks. I mean LOVE. If it were a choice between a tray of snack foods and a meal, I think the snacks would win them over every time. And one thing they’re learning and maybe not quite so much in love with yet? Sharing.
It’s a push a pull… a give and take. It’s a balance between not forcing them to share what is theirs and helping them to learn to stand in the shoes of another, seeing the world through different eyes than their own. To be honest, it’s something I’m working on too.
Something I’ve been learning to share more of lately with my little ones is my heart. Strangely enough, many times these conversations happen over food. Well, over snacks, of course. That could just be because of the sheer frequency of snack breaks in our house, though I’m finding being more intentional in our snacking, both in content and in time, has been helpful. The process itself is almost therapeutic, the chopping, slicing, dicing and pouring. Finding things they love and items that love their little bodies right back. I set out a tray of their favorite fruits and vegetables, cheeses and small bites and watch them gather ’round.
These are the times I treasure with them, and the moments we share so much… stories flow, questions are asked, we talk about how much we have and where our food comes from, and remember why it is that we share of what we have. For quite a while now, we’ve regularly been taking our kids with us to help volunteer as we want them to see the power of doing good. It doesn’t always have to be in serving meals to the homeless of our community (though that is one of the outlets we use), but it can be in so many “smaller” ways too. A smile holds the power to change someone’s day. An inspiring word can brighten dark eyes. Giving from whatever it is that we have whether it be food, time or talents, is something I want them to see the beauty in. I want them to feel the joy of sharing… even when it’s just sharing a toy with little sister. When we can understand the why behind the idea of sharing, it makes it so much easier to give, and this is the heart I desire my little ones to have.
So yes, digging through our fridge and pantry, I realize just how blessed we to have food we can share with each other; and even more than that we can make moments out of the most normal of things! Why is this snack tray one that kids will love? Well for one, it can be suited to every family and every child! Dig through and find a mix of items they already know and love and then throw in a few new foods to try as well. And second, encourage them to play with their food. It turns the mundane task of snack time into an activity and time together can be full of teachable moments… like sharing the cucumber “wheels” for the racers we’re building or deciding to give up the last orange slice for someone else who wants it.
To make an easy race car, begin with a cheese stick and use pretzel rods to add cucumber wheels!
Our little snack tray race cars were inspired by Mickey and the Roadster Racers, a Disney Junior show that I even like to watch with my little ones, especially when the new episodes air on Friday mornings on the Disney channel all summer. Happy FRiYAY! Really though, many times the messaging lately is about learning to share and not be selfish, which is the perfect addition to our own summer learning curve. So while we play with our snacks, build our own racers and talk about our own choices, we can remember the time Pluto had to learn the same thing. For me, it’s a parenting win-win.
Mama’s tell me, what are some ways you’ve found to help open your little one’s eyes to the ideas of sharing?? I’d love to hear your wins!
You can also find more Disney Junior content (music videos, promos, shorts) on the Disney Junior YouTube page and keep up with them on Facebook!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Disney Junior.
Clair says
What an awesome idea! Definitely trying this snack tray with my kids!
Tabitha Blue says
I bet they will love it too!!!!
Shari says
Coolest snacks ever!
Janette Shearer says
This is such a great idea! My oldest loves stuff like this! Thanks for sharing!
Amy Jones says
I let my daughter pick out a new shirt for her brother tonight. It was such a simple act but she picked out a perfect one for him. Not really a sharing idea, but the same concept of creating relationships with others!
Tabitha Blue says
Oh I love that! Such a sweet way to think of her brother. š
Angie says
Ok, you are truly the smartest mom in the world. My kids would love to build their snacks, but I’m skeptical about whether they would eat them or not. My son who just turned 6 has a wide range of fruits and veggies he likes, but he would never be down with the cheese stick because of the shape lol (I have no idea). My daughter who is almost 5 only likes apples and bell peppers. I guess I should just give it a try! Love the idea. š
Tabitha Blue says
I think it could be a fun way to give them both the items they like and maybe just add in something new a little at a time! Could try cheese slices instead of sticks š Who knows, maybe if they’re playing with it, they’ll eat it!
Fawn says
What a clever idea! My kids would love to build their own snacks. My kids can be picky eaters and this would be A great way to have them try new things .
Tabitha Blue says
Would be such a great way to “sneak” in new foods, a little at a time!
Aly Funk says
This is an amazing idea and my girls would die over that snack tray!
Vicki @ Babies to Bookworms says
This is so cute! My daughter would love playing with this snack tray – especially since it was inspired by Mickey!
Tabitha Blue says
Oh would be so fun to make Mickey shapes with the snacks!
Val says
What a fun snack tray! My kids are all over anything called a snack š
Tabitha Blue says
Mine are always up for the snacks! LOL
Sharon Chen says
This is a very good idea to make kids eat healthy and have fun at the same time š
Megan | Mama on Main Street says
Oh wow! I never would have thought to do something like that! How creative!!! My daughter would probably really enjoy it, especially with all of the colors.
Tabitha Blue says
Playing with the rainbow! I find that letting them play helps them eat things they wouldn’t normally eat!
Linh says
Absolutely LOVE this idea! The girls would have so much fun with this.
Tabitha Blue says
Right?! Who doesn’t love to play with food?! Haha. š
Ashley says
I LOVE this! My kids always love helping prepare their food so this is perfect!
Tabitha Blue says
Mine love to be so active in the kitchen too! Takes longer, but I love it (usually) š Haha!
Adree says
Great idea! I have so many memories from growing up that involve food. I need to start creating some of the same memories with my kids!
Bailey says
I love this idea so much!!
Tabitha Blue says
Thanks so much Bailey!!! Hopefully your kids do too!!!
Kristin F. says
I love this idea so much! We love using mini muffin tins to create “variety plates” for snack (or dinner!).
Nicole Banuelos says
My kids would totally love this snack tray!
Leila says
What a simple but brilliant snack idea. Love it.
Julie says
This snack tray looks so healthy and delicious. We’ll be giving it a try at our next playdate for sure!
Tabitha Blue says
Fun idea for a play date š
Cammeo says
I will soon be in the same boat once my little lady gets bigger and her big bro has to share his snacks ? I love this creative snack tray!
Michelle says
I think Olivia would have a blast with this.
Alfa Sengupta says
I think my kids’ favorite word is snack! HA. I need to try this! I think my would absolutely love it!
Jaclyn Quinones says
my kids love playing with their food LOL this looks like a lot of fun and a great way to get kids to try veggies!
Krystal Sadler says
Oh my gosh! How fun are these snacks?!?!?! Your pics are great, too!
Sapana V says
Wow. It’s so healthy snack tray full of so many items.
Nicole Raithel says
I love the cheese stick car idea! All things my girls love!