Does your Montessori child lick only the creamy layer of sandwich biscuits and throw the rest away? Or throw his unfinished lunch box in the garbage bin to avoid your reprimand? When you notice your child fussing and refusing to finish the food on his plate, take a moment to talk to him about it. Simultaneously, become more mindful of what constitutes food waste.

Why is this necessary?

Because it's probably your practice to force your child to eat peeled and scooped-out apple slices rather than the full fruit. That is why reducing food waste necessitates a mental shift on your side.

So, here are seven inventive methods for teaching your child not to waste food:

1. Plan your menus together

   According to the Montessori Sierra Madre, CA, this is a fun pastime for the whole family to plan the weekly food. This can assist you to comprehend your child's eating choices and even explaining the consequences of poor food choices. You may even recommend healthier choices. This is now a brainstorming session on mindful eating, and because your child has already agreed to the menu, there will be no leftover mess. This is a win-win situation!

2. Go grocery shopping as a family.

   Before you go to the store, have your child check the refrigerator. Involve him in the preparation of the grocery list. Choose food ingredients that may be used in several dishes to decrease waste. Teach your youngster to read food labels and verify the facts provided when shopping (shelf-life, ingredients, so on). This will help your youngster comprehend what goes into the meals he or she prepares at home. Put him in control of the grocery list, and shop for only what you need together. This allows you to choose, store, and use meals that the entire family will like and, more importantly, finish.

3. Labelling and storing

   Assign your youngster the duty of bottling, storing, and labelling all the things purchased. This will not only make your job easier, but it will also keep her interested. Make her make a list of the objects she has stored—who knows, your child could turn out to be an expert in inventory management! This gives you a clear picture of what you already have in your cupboards and what you should avoid purchasing in the future. You may also get rid of objects that have been sitting around for a long time.

4. Spending time in the kitchen

   The Sierra Madre, CA teachers encourage youngsters to join the kitchen as junior chefs! Allow him to aid you in creating novel foods. After all, your youngster will undoubtedly eat what he has prepared himself! Teach him all about culinary measures and quantities. Encourage your youngster to eat only what he needs once he understands portion proportions. Even better, let him serve himself. Also, utilize the proper equipment and cooking tools to achieve the proper portion proportions.