The Sneaky Parent Playbook

Messy Hands & Clever Plans

1. On The Sauce: Vegetable Consumption 

If getting kids to eat their veggies is the battle, BBQ sauce is the secret weapon. Here’s why:

• Flavor Masking – Many kids reject vegetables due to texture or bitterness. A smoky, sweet BBQ sauce can make greens more palatable.

• Dipping Fun – Kids love to dip! Serve veggies with a side of BBQ sauce to make them more appealing.

• Familiarity Factor – If they already enjoy BBQ sauce on other foods, pairing it with vegetables makes it feel less like "trying something new."

• Homemade Options – Go for a healthier homemade version with natural ingredients to control sugar and spice levels.

2. Sharing Is Caring... Sometimes: How to Teach Your Child to Share (Without Always Having to Share)

Sharing is an essential social skill, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite things all the time. Here’s how to teach sharing without sacrifice:

Take Turns Instead – Rather than demanding they give something up, teach them the value of waiting and turn-taking.
Offer Alternatives – If they’re not ready to share a Oreos, have them pick something else they are comfortable sharing.
Have a Decoy – Show them how much fun sharing carrot sticks can be. Oreos who?! A great way to model sharing food, time, and kindness in daily activities.

• Teach Ownership and Boundaries – It’s okay for kids to have special items they don’t have to share, just like Oreos.

3. Insomnia Is Your Friend: Sleep Training vs. Sleep Draining

The sleep struggle is real! Here’s a look at two approaches you might unintentionally fall into:

• Sleep Training (The Goal)

  Encourages independent sleep habits.

  • Helps babies self-soothe.

  • Creates a consistent bedtime routine.

  • Leads to more restful nights for the whole family.

• Sleep Draining (The Struggle)

  • Rocking, bouncing, or feeding to sleep every time, you and your child.

  • Inconsistent bedtime routines.

  • Running to comfort at every minor wake-up.

  • Exhausted parents running on fumes.

Finding a balance that works for your family is key. Sleep training doesn’t have to mean "cry it out" — gentle methods, consistency, and patience can lead to restful nights for everyone.

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