Being the parent of a picky eater can be frustrating at
best. Getting a picky eater to try new things can be a pretty stressful
experience, especially when it comes to trying to ensure that your child eats a
balanced diet of foods that will keep them healthy. Attempting to get a child
who refuses to eat anything green or a kid who only wants to eat chicken
nuggets to try different kinds of food is a difficult task, but it definitely
isn't impossible.
Be Patient
Patience is key, especially when it comes to dealing with
testy kids. It is important to remain cool, calm, and under control; this means
keeping yourself in check and refraining from punishing a child for their food
choices out of frustration. Start off by slowly introducing your child to
different, healthier options in an exciting way, gauge his reactions and go
from there.
Have Healthy Food
Readily Available
Instead of filling the house with processed junk foods and
takeout, always make sure to have plenty of healthy food options available in
the house. Fresh fruit and veggies, organic juice, even clean eating homemade
snacks. Doing this will help your children get used to eating good, fresh food
as well as get them on the right track to maintaining a better diet.
Involve Them in the
Cooking Process
Let your child be active in the kitchen. Involve them in the
grocery shopping process as well as food preparation. While it may be pertinent
to keep them far away from the knives, allow them to cook alongside you. Make
the experience even better by making games out of certain activities and
boasting about the delicious ingredients you are using to create the meal.
Let Them Have Treats
Every Once in a While
It's definitely not beneficial you fill your child up with
sugar regularly, but letting them have a little sweet treat every once in a
while can actually be good for them. Teach your children how to moderate when
it comes to sugary snacks.
Make Fun Food
Food is already delicious, but if it's not shaped like a
dinosaur or in the candy aisle at the supermarket, kids have a hard time
recognizing just how fun food can be. Make new foods fun for kids to eat by
shaping them into something cool or using a bit of food coloring. They'll be so
excited to dig into the cool new dish, the though of it being something
different from the norm might not even cross their mind.
Don't Make
"Special Meals"
As hard as it may be to resist, it is important that you
don't make a special, separate meal for your picky eater. Being complicit in
their habits only shows them that they are acceptable.
Get Creative with
your Old Recipes
Try incorporating new twists into recipes that your child
already loves, if your picky eater's favorite food is spaghetti, try mixing in
a few fresh veggies in with the sauce. Introducing children to new things via
the things they already love is a great way to get them excited about being
adventurous.
Set a Good Example
As a parent it is important that you set a good example when
it comes to food. If your child only views you eating fast food and fatty
snacks, they may think that sort of behavior is acceptable and seek to emulate
it.
Don't Punish or
Reward your Child with Food
You should never offer things like dessert or their favorite
snacks as rewards for trying new things, nor should you threaten to take them
away for doing the opposite. Doing this allows children to see healthy foods as
punishment or an obstacle that they must get through to enjoy "better
foods." Encourage your kids to appreciate all foods for what they are.
Keep Distractions
Away from the Dinner Table
When eating, turn off the television and keep cellphones and
tablets as far away from the table as possible. Use dinner time as a chance to
bond as a family, being open with each other may make your child more receptive
to trying new things.
Source: lailaalilifestyle
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