Empower Mealtime with Visual Suppor
- Chante Lottering
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
Tired of mealtime battles and the endless “I don’t want that”? You’re not alone. That’s why I created this toddler-friendly weekly meal planner — with real food photos to help little ones see their choices and feel in control. Whether you’ve got a picky eater, a sensory-sensitive toddler, or just want to make food decisions easier, this visual planner turns chaos into calm — one bite at a time.
Link to download your planner - https://www.canva.com/design/DAGqOCSe1VM/N1UFopMoUhNoSJ4I2YrOwg/view?utm_content=DAGqOCSe1VM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview
✅ What You Get:
1 printable meal planner template for the week
1 pre-filled toddler-friendly weekly menu with real food images
Couple of free recipes
Visual cues to support decision-making and build mealtime confidence
Simple, flexible format — use it on the fridge, table, or mealtime tray
Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and visual learners who benefit from structure + choice.

Pancake/Flapjack Batter

Ingredients
1 cup Flour
1 tablespoon Sugar
1 teaspoon Baking powder
1 pinch of Salt
1 Egg
1 cup Milk
1 tablespoon melted Butter
Optional: 1 mashed banana
Method
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the egg, then add milk and melted butter.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until just combined (a few lumps are okay — don’t overmix).
Let batter rest 5 minutes while your pan heats up.
Cook on medium heat — 1–2 minutes per side until golden and bubbles form.
Tips:
Use cookie cutters on the pan for fun shapes.
Freeze extras for easy reheat breakfasts.
Oats with Honey

Ingredients
½ cup Rolled oats
1 cup Milk
½ small Banana, mashed
½ teaspoon Cinnamon
½ teaspoon Honey (skip if under 1 year old*)
Method
In a small pot, bring milk to a gentle simmer.
Stir in oats and cook on low for 3–5 minutes, stirring often.
Once thickened, stir in mashed banana and cinnamon.
Let it cool slightly, then drizzle with a little honey.
Serve warm — optionally top with soft fruit like blueberries or stewed apple.
Important:*Avoid honey for babies under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism.
Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients
1 cup cooked Chicken (shredded or finely chopped)
½ cup grated Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
¼ cup finely chopped Vegetables (e.g. peppers, zucchini, carrots, spinach – sautéed or steamed)
2 small soft Tortillas (whole wheat preferred)
1 tbsp Plain yogurt
Method
In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cheese, veggies, and cream cheese/yogurt (if using).
Spread the filling evenly over one tortilla. Top with the second tortilla.
Place in a dry nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook 2–3 mins per side until golden and cheese is melted.
Let it cool slightly, then slice into wedges or strips.
👶 Toddler Tips:
Use scissors to cut into finger-friendly triangles or strips.
Serve with mashed avocado or plain yogurt as a dip.
Freeze extras: reheat in pan or toaster for a quick meal.
Mac & Cheese with Broccoli

Ingredients
1 cup small pasta (elbow, shells, or mini penne)
1 cup chopped broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp plain flour
1 cup whole milk (or milk alternative)
½ to ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
Pinch of salt (optional)
Method
In salted water, cook pasta until soft. Add broccoli in the last 3–4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a small pot, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a paste.
Slowly whisk in milk. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring, until it thickens slightly.
Turn off heat. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
Fold in pasta and broccoli. Mix until well coated. Cool slightly before serving.
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