If you’re a parent or caregiver, you’ve probably faced the issue of dealing with a picky eater before. Mealtimes can quickly become a battleground, causing frustration on both parent and child. However, convincing fussy eaters to broaden their gastronomic horizons does not have to be a difficult endeavour. With a few innovative ideas, you may turn eating into a fun experience for your child.
Introduce New Foods Gradually
Introducing new foods gradually can help them become less scary. Begin by serving a tiny quantity of the new meal with their favorite ones. Encourage them to take just one bite, and don’t force them if they refuse. Picky eaters are often unwilling to eat a new food unless they have been exposed to it many times.
Get Them Involved in the Kitchen
Children are more inclined to eat foods that they helped prepare. Engage your picky eater in grocery shopping, menu planning, and cooking. Assign children age-appropriate duties like cleaning veggies, stirring ingredients, or arranging the table. This not only helps children feel valued, but it also provides them a sense of control over their meals. Besides, if they’re old enough to memorise songs and dance steps, they’re certainly ready to get busy with you in the kitchen.
Make Meals Fun and Interactive
One of the most effective methods to engage picky eaters is to make mealtime enjoyable. Make meals into a game or drama. For example, plan a themed dinner where the table setting and cuisine reflect a specific theme, such as “Under the Sea” with fish-shaped sandwiches, fruits and other optios. Allow your child to shape their food with cookie cutters, or allow them to create their own options. When children feel engaged in the process, they are more likely to try new things.
Make Food Visually Appealing
Children are more inclined to try items that are visually appealing. It may sometimes be daunting, but when you sort out their fruits and veggies in bright arrangements or draw creative shapes and faces on their plates, they’re more intrigued about meal time. Use a range of colors and textures to make the dish more appealing. Sometimes a little imagination is all it takes to pique their attention.
Be a Role Model
Children frequently imitate their parents’ or other caregivers’ actions. Be willing to try new foods on your own. Try a range of dishes and discuss the tastes, textures, and overall enjoyment of each one. Your positive outlook on food may have an impact on your child’s openness to trying new items.
Stay Patient and Positive
When interacting with picky eaters, patience is important. Refrain from putting undue pressure on your child to eat, as this may worsen the situation. Acknowledge small wins and keep a cheerful and stress-free environment during mealtimes. If you gently encourage them to try new foods, your child will probably become more receptive to them over time.
Lastly, remember that every child is different. What worked for Mr A’s toddler may not work for Mrs B’s. The goal for you as a parent is to help your child create a positive relationship with food that will last a lifetime.
At Corona Schools, we have expert early years’ experts who can help you nurture your child. From Creche to Year 12, we have you covered. Reach out to us today to register your child(ren) with the brand trusted by generations of parents.
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