Most kids go through picky stages every now and then. Their preferences sometimes even seem to change from one day to the next. It is completely normal for kids to go through picky phases, however, there are a few things you can do to try to help them try more foods. Check out these 4 tips to get your kids to try new tastes.
Make Food Interesting
If you serve broccoli the same way at every meal, your kids might refuse to eat it every time. Try mixing things up and making food more interesting for them. Serve food with a dip such as hummus, ketchup, or ranch dressing. Cut their food into fun shapes such as stars or hearts. They will love the surprise and the foods they’ve refused to try in the past might not seem as boring.
Let Kids Help You Prepare Meals
Kids are more likely to eat meals that they helped prepare. Having them help prepare and cook the food gets them excited about eating it. One way of doing this is having a meal where each kid can prepare their own food however they like. You might make personal pizzas by cutting a French baguette loaf in half and letting your kids add whatever toppings they want. Give them a variety of topping choices and let them mix and match.
Offer Choices
Give your kids multiple food options to choose from. For example, offer them a tray with carrots, celery, grapes, and strawberries. They might only choose to eat the carrots and strawberries, but those are still great choices. Continue to offer multiple healthy options consistently and one day your kids just might try the other foods on the tray as well.
Be Consistent
Children sometimes need to be offered food 10-15 different times before they will eat it. If they refuse the food the first time they try it, it doesn’t mean that they will never eat it. Be consistent and continue offering it to them, even if they don’t eat it. Never pressure or force them to eat foods that they don’t like, because this will just cause them to form a negative association with the food. They will try it in their own timing.
It can be frustrating being the parent of a picky eater, but know that it is a completely normal developmental stage. All kids go through picky phases at some point, but most will eventually grow out of it. The best thing you can do is be patient and try following these steps in the meantime.
