Freddie Prinze Jr Reveals His Secret to Encouraging Kids to Eat Balanced Meals: Tough Love
Freddie Prinze Jr reveals his secret to getting his children to eat balanced meals, sharing his effective parenting approach Find out how he and Sarah Michelle Gellar ensure their kids enjoy nutritious food
Getting kids to eat balanced meals can be a challenge for parents, but Freddie Prinze Jr. has a solution. According to the 47-year-old actor, it's okay to be firm and assertive. Prinze Jr. explained during an exclusive interview with We on November 9, while promoting his partnership with Libby's Vegetables, that his own mother had no problem being strict, just like many moms in the '80s. He advises taking a page from the previous generation's playbook and letting their no-nonsense approach guide you when you struggle to enforce healthy eating habits.
Prinze Jr. has two children, Charlotte and Rocky, aged 14 and 11 respectively, with his wife Sarah Michelle Gellar. Over time, Charlotte and Rocky have become accustomed to their father's determination to encourage them to eat vegetables and other nutritious foods.
"Well, when I was growing up, there was no room for negotiation. If I didn't finish my dinner, it became my breakfast the next morning," he jokingly shared with Us. "That's why I'm quite stringent with my kids, especially regarding what we have at home."
Prinze Jr.'s efforts have paid off as Charlotte and Rocky now consume all the food they are served during mealtime. "From a very young age, my kids were able to enjoy sushi. They have had exposure to a wide variety of foods since they were very young, making mealtime much easier," he commented. "Even if my son dislikes something, he will still make an effort to finish it and assures me, 'Dad, it may not be my favorite, but don't worry, I'll finish it.'"
Libby's Vegetables
The actor emphasized that he takes on the role of the primary cook in the Gellar-Prinze household. He mentioned that although his wife, Sarah, occasionally prepares dishes for the children, he handles most of the cooking responsibilities. According to Prinze Jr., they cook together approximately three or four nights per week. When asked about their favorite meal, he proudly shared that his Mexican street food creations are a definite hit with his kids.
Prinze Jr. enhances Mexican dishes with frozen green and red chilis imported yearly from New Mexico, as Rocky savors their spiciness.
"I have to dial down the heat a bit when preparing Mexican food for my daughter, but my son has a fondness for spice," he remarked. "I began incorporating crushed chilis into zesty stews and enchiladas, and I even enjoy them with scrambled eggs. They enhance the flavor of anything I eat."
Prinze Jr. is contributing his recipes to Libby's Vegetables for their "Thanks & Giving" program. He was approached by the company to create easy and healthy side dishes using canned vegetables, keeping in mind that not everyone has access to fresh produce during the winter. As part of their partnership with Meals on Wheels of America, for every person who engages with Prinze Jr.'s Instagram page or Libby's page by sharing, liking, commenting, or using the hashtag "Libby's Gives Thanks," the company will donate one coupon. These coupons can be redeemed for up to 500,000 cans or coupons of food.
The campaign, set to conclude in December, aims to support Meals on Wheels in their commendable efforts, as stated by Prinze Jr.
"It holds great significance to me, and if my involvement can contribute to them obtaining 500,000 cans of food, that would be truly amazing," he enthusiastically expressed. "I may not have the skill to perform a jig, but I'd gladly do so if we achieve their target!"
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
