Mom Tiger’s Strawberry Banana Ice Pops

Peel a ripe banana and have your child break it into 3 to 4 parts, or use a dull knife to chop it into smaller pieces. This is a fun way to help your child practice counting! Then, ask your child to place the pieces into the blender.

Wash 1 cup of fresh strawberries and remove their stems. If you use frozen strawberries, let them thaw in the cup before adding them to the blender. The juice from the frozen strawberries will add to the sweetness of the ice pops. Ask your child to put the strawberries into the blender.

Help your child measure 1/4 cup of orange juice and pour it into the blender. Remind children that blenders should only be used when an adult is with them in the kitchen. Explain that they can help you to press the button to start blending. Invite your child to watch the vibrant ingredient colors combine to create the treat. Blend the bananas and strawberries with the orange juice until the mixture is smooth.

Encourage your child to taste the strawberry banana mixture! Take a moment to highlight its bright color, delicious smell, and creamy texture. Ask your child to take a small spoonful and explore the flavors at their own pace. You can also share that this blend is tasty and packed with essential vitamins that can help make them stronger and healthier. Trying new foods is a great way to spark your child's curiosity and nourish their growing palate.

With your child, pour the mixture into containers you can put in the freezer. Options can be a muffin tin, paper cups, empty yogurt containers, ice cube trays, or silicone popsicle molds.

Ask your child to count the molds you've filled and prepare the same amount of popsicle holders. You can use popsicle sticks or plastic spoons. Insert the popsicle holders into each mold, ensuring they are secure and upright. If you need help to keep the sticks upright, cover the mold with plastic wrap or aluminum foil first, and then poke the sticks through and into your mold.

Carefully transfer the molds to the freezer and let them freeze for several hours or overnight. Once fully frozen, remove the molds from the freezer and run them briefly under warm water to loosen the ice pops.

Take out one fruit ice pop from the mold and give it to your child. Ask your child, "Do you think the fruit ice pop will taste different after freezing? Why or why not?" Praise your child for their efforts in making the delicious fruit ice treats. Encourage your child to share their homemade strawberry banana ice pops with friends and neighbors.