Do you have a picky eater? As your child begins to eat solid foods, they will start to make their own food choices and decide what they like and what they don’t like. It is important to introduce your little ones to new foods, however, you may get some push-back. If you are wondering “how can I get my child to try new foods?” below we have compiled some helpful tips for you to try:
Have Fun with Food
- Be creative when presenting new foods to your child. Make their plate colorful and use cookie cutters to cut food into fun, familiar shapes. Children love bite-size food that they can easily pick up or dunk into yummy sauces.
Play Chef
- Involve your little ones when making meal decisions. This is a great opportunity for your child to help in the kitchen in a developmentally appropriate way. This allows them to take ownership of the foods they are making and can encourage them to try new things.
Try, Try, and Try Again
- When it comes to new foods, children will usually touch, smell, take tiny bites, and put the food back on their plate before giving it a real try. Children usually need to be exposed to the same food multiple times before they are willing to eat it. Forcing your child to eat new foods right away can cause further issues down the road.
Stick to a Routine
- When possible, enjoy your meals together. Minimize distractions, focus on family time, and be a role model for your child. Make sure they see you eating and enjoying a variety of healthy foods. Provide everyone at the table with the same foods and make sure to have at least one item on the plate that you know your picky eater will eat and enjoy.
Keep Track of Textures Your Child Likes or Dislikes
- Does your little one tend to enjoy soft foods, like mashed potatoes? Do they shy away from slimy foods like Jell-O? Understanding what type of textures your child enjoys can help when preparing meals for them.
Provide a Small Treat at The End of The Meal
- This doesn’t mean you should serve cake, cookies or ice cream every night. A cup of fruit or a few cubes of cheese can work just as well. Make dessert a part of the meal, even if your child did not eat all their food. However, don’t use dessert as a bribe. This usually results in a power struggle that is unnecessary and teaches your child to associate unhealthy foods with rewards. Providing a small, tasty treat at the end of each meal can help your child eat more nutritious foods.
Remember, your child’s eating habits won’t change overnight and forcing your child to try new foods probably won’t work in your favor. Continue to expose your picky eaters to new foods and make eating fun!
At East Orange Child Development Corporation (EOCDC), we know the importance of a nutritious meal. That is why we provide all of our students with a healthy breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack five days per week as part of our Early Head Start and Head Start programs.
Contact us today to learn more.
