How Can Parents Help Children Who Are Picky Eaters?
To address the challenge of picky eaters, insights from a diverse group of child and family therapy professionals have been gathered, including advice from an author known for their expertise. While the author emphasizes the importance of offering new foods consistently, we also present additional answers that have proven successful in various contexts. From making mealtime playful to serving less intimidating portions, explore these six practical tips for nurturing healthier eating habits in children.
- Offer New Foods Consistently
- Make Mealtime Playful and Engaging
- Involve Children in Meal Planning
- Arrange Food in Attractive Designs
- Implement a Motivating Rewards System
- Serve Small, Less Intimidating Portions
Offer New Foods Consistently
Consistently offering something new with every meal is key to getting them to try something new. With our eldest, we'd always make sure to put something she'd never tried before on her plate, alongside her well-tested favorites.
It can be really frustrating and disheartening when they completely ignore or throw something you've lovingly prepared for them. That's why when it comes to offering new foods, keep it simple. Just a piece of new fruit or a tiny portion of something you've always made for yourselves is ideal.
Don't expect them to even interact with the new food at all for the first few tries--or even longer. But don't give up; repeated exposure is the trick.
Soon, their inner curiosity will kick in. It might start with just touching it, then progress to smelling or licking. Don't push it; let them explore it at their own pace. Even if it doesn't go near their mouth, any interaction is a step forward!
Our eldest daughter went from only eating the same fruits and snacks to trying nearly all the meals we made for ourselves as adults, and I mainly put that down to regularly being exposed to new foods at least once a day.
Make Mealtime Playful and Engaging
To encourage picky eaters to try new foods, parents can turn mealtime into an interactive play session. For example, creating stories around the food and pretending that vegetables are trees from an enchanted forest can engage a child's imagination. This practice not only makes eating a lively event but also helps the child associate food with fun rather than pressure.
It is also important that parents keep the mood light and positive, avoiding any stress or tension during these game-based meals. To start making mealtimes more enjoyable, think of a simple game to play tonight.
Involve Children in Meal Planning
Getting children involved in meal planning can give them a sense of control and motivate them to eat the foods they've chosen. Parents can discuss different food options with their children and explain the benefits of each item, encouraging them to add a variety of foods to their menu. By participating in selecting ingredients and helping to prepare the meal, children may feel more invested in the eating process and be open to tasting the dishes they helped create.
This approach not only educates the child about nutrition but also builds life skills. Invite your child to help plan and prepare the next meal, making sure to consider their preferences and suggestions.
Arrange Food in Attractive Designs
Children are often enticed by colors and patterns, which is why arranging food in a visually pleasing way can tempt picky eaters to take a bite. Parents can arrange a plate with colorful fruits and vegetables cut into fun shapes, positioning them into smiling faces or interesting designs. Such attractive presentations may capture a child's interest, making them curious enough to taste different foods they might otherwise avoid.
Additionally, using bright, colorful plates and utensils can add to the visual appeal of the meal. Try making a colorful food arrangement to entice your child's curiosity and appetite during their next mealtime.
Implement a Motivating Rewards System
Introducing a rewards system can help motivate picky eaters to try new foods. Parents can promise a small reward, like extra playtime or a bedtime story, when the child tries a new food or finishes their meal without fuss. This system encourages the child to associate trying new foods with receiving positive feedback and tangible rewards.
It is crucial, however, that rewards are used sparingly and are not always food-based to avoid creating an unhealthy relationship with food. Consider what kind of non-food rewards might motivate your child to explore new tastes and set up a system for your next meal.
Serve Small, Less Intimidating Portions
Serving small portions can be less intimidating for children who are hesitant to try new foods. Parents should offer tiny amounts of various foods regularly throughout the day, which can reduce the pressure and make the act of trying new items a normal, routine experience. Repeated exposure in this manner often leads to increased acceptance of new tastes and textures over time.
It's key that parents are patient and persistent without forcing the child to eat, as this could create negative associations with food. Start with a small plate of different foods for your child and encourage them to try a little bit at a time.