More than half of moms use snack time to show off what a “cool” mom they are, a new poll finds.
The recent survey asked 2,000 American moms with children ages 3–18 to identify the traits of a “cool” mom—and then asked their kids to set the record straight.
Nearly three in five kids agreed that a “cool” mom helps them out with homework and projects for school.
And, according to kids, there are some things a “cool” mom should never do.
Using their home nickname in front of their friends (42%), shouting their name at a sports game or other event (40%), and dancing in public (40%), will put some parents in time-out.
Conducted by OnePoll in partnership with SUNSET, the survey suggests that although getting kids to eat healthy food can be a challenge, moms have a few tricks up their sleeves, such as cutting up fruits and vegetables into fun shapes (48%) and making their food more colorful (47%).
47% of moms worry about whether their kids think they’re cool, and making food fun is one of their top creative ploys to win kids over.
Half of moms have made a cheese board for their children, and more than half admitted that their youngsters eat more sophisticated snacks and lunches than they do.
Moms also shared the secrets behind their greatest ever snack hacks, including blending frozen fruit so kids think it’s ice cream, building a stackable tower with sticks of watermelon and even making sandwich kabobs.
Snacks and lunches can be a bragging point for kids, too—especially those that include chips (50%), baked goods (44%) or a fruit bowls (44%).
“Our study shows that many moms are good at navigating that balance between giving kids the foods they enjoy and making sure they’re getting a balanced diet,” said a spokesperson for SUNSET.
“They’re introducing their youngsters to fruits and veggies in creative ways and incorporating them not just at lunchtime, but throughout the day as well.”
And it can be a great opportunity for parents and kids to bond. Take a look at some of these cool-mom tips…
MOMS’ GREATEST SNACK HACKS FOR THEIR KIDS
• Kiwi caterpillars
• Blending frozen fruit so they think it’s ice cream
• Freezing bone broth in small cubes for winter soups or drinks
• Making grab bags that they can’t see inside of and letting them choose their own bags, so every snack is a surprise
• Sandwich kabobs
• Making squash look and taste almost like mac n’ cheese to trick her into eating a veggie she doesn’t like
• Jello with fruit mixed in and then poured into cool molds in different kinds of shapes like cars, houses, bears, etc.
• Making pumpkin pancakes with beets and other pureed vegetables, but with fun colors
• Building a Jenga stack with watermelon
• Playing ‘restaurant’ during lunch – using menus so they can choose
• Saying something is a ‘grown-up version’ so they want it, or something ‘new’ they get excited to try
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