Cook until just tender and drain immediately. Treat them lightly. As for fruits, cutting and peeling them just before they are to be eaten prevents them from being exposed to air, which robs nutrients, Greving says. They don't want them disguised or hidden in a casserole or somewhere else. They like to see every food separate on their plate.
Kids do like raw vegetables.
It is amazing that a child who will not eat cooked carrots will readily eat raw carrot sticks, so think about raw vegetables for little kids. It won't ruin their appetite for the main meal, in fact, think of it as part of the meal.