Kids can be really picky when it comes to food. But if your child prefers candy above anything else, you’re going to need a new strategy. The video above reveals six simple tricks parents can use to get their kids to eat anything (you're welcome!).
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How To Feed A Picky Eater
Don't Say "Picky"(01 of27)
Labeling a kid picky only allows them to settle into the role and refuse new foods because, as you've told him, he's picky! Don't fall into this trap. (credit:Getty)
Family Food, Not Kid Food(02 of27)
Not everyone at the table has to eat the same dinner but you really must not make more than one meal. Serve everything family-style at the table and let kids make up their own plates. They have to try a little bit of everything but can load up on what they like. (credit:Getty)
No Talking About Dinner At Dinner(03 of27)
Picky eating is a power move that is best ignored. Making a no-food-talk rule means you're not sucked into a game of "how many bites until I'm done."Offer anecdotes from your day, ask for the funniest thing that happened at school, tell a dumb joke. Anything. But. Food. (credit:Getty)
Other Than How Eating Food Is Cool(04 of27)
You can hype adventurous eating by letting kids in on a little secret. Picky eaters can't go out to restaurants, eat at a friend's house or travel because they're too worried about finding the mayonnaise sandwich (or whatever it is they'll eat) to have a good time. But adventurous eaters? The world is their figurative and literal oyster. Yum, oysters! (credit:Getty)
Get A (Meal) Plan(05 of27)
Right before you head to the grocery store, take down the calendar and ask everyone in the family to suggest a meal they want that week. Fill the week in with everyone's choices and let them know what you're making on the open days. Fewer surprises mean less pushback at dinnertime. (credit:Getty)
Stack The Deck(06 of27)
When you're trying to get your kids to try something new, make sure there are some old friends on the plate. Dying for them to get on the kale bandwagon? How about kale calzones? Because what isn't delicious between pizza dough and cheese? Nothing, that's what. (credit:Getty)
Put Them To Work(07 of27)
Seriously. Studies show that kids who help to prepare food are more likely to eat it. Maybe a busy weeknight isn't the place to start but on a quiet weekend afternoon, get those kids peeling vegetables, cracking eggs or grating cheese. Plus, when they get really good at it, you get the night off. You're welcome. (credit:Getty)
1. Predictability(08 of27)
Meals should be served three times a day, at the same time. Also schedule two little snack offerings. Knowing when meals are and how long they need to wait until the next meal helps children eat better. They should come to the table hungry and ready to eat. For drinks, be sure to only serve water between meals. Fruit juices and milk can fill a child up. (credit:Getty)
2. Set The Mood(09 of27)
Meal time is about socializing, not nutrition. Set the tone of a happy, warm, caring table. Don't create pressure by discussing food choices or eating habits. Sit down and eat with your children. Don't have TVs or toys at the table. Children eat better when they are not distracted by play. It's family time! (credit:Getty)
3. Be Creative With Food(10 of27)
Even if your children have declared they hate carrots and they will never, ever EVER, not even in a trillion, zillion years eat them... continue to put at least ONE carrot on their plate. They can choose to eat around it.If you stop serving them carrots they have a zero probability of ever eating a carrot. If you serve one, they may just have a bit when you are not looking.Be creative. Arrange the carrots in the shape of a their initials, or serve them grated or mashed, frozen or raw. Serve carrots muffins or carrots in a vegetable latka. Keep mixing it up and offering variety. (credit:Getty)
4. Get Them Involved(11 of27)
Children are more likely to eat food if they had a hand in preparing it. Enlist them as your sous-chef in the kitchen. Children feel proud of themselves when they create a dish that everyone loves. And, if everyone says the meatloaf you helped make tastes great, wouldn't you be curious enough to want to try a bit, too? (credit:Getty)
5. What About A "Polite Bite"?(12 of27)
I often get asked if it's okay to make a child try a bit of everything. Parents tell their children they don't have to eat it all, but they have a "polite bite."If you have children who are that co-operative, then sure. However, if you have children who are fighting you about food (and likely other things, too) I would say, don't force the issue. No polite bite required.Instead, simply let them know that you trust them to listen to their bodies and to look after it on their own. It's a parent's job to serve up healthy meals, but it is the child's job to eat and care for his or her body.The less we tell them how to do their job, the better they are at showing us they are capable. Have faith in them to respond to hunger and if you are truly worried about their health, see your pediatrician to calm your worries. (credit:Getty)
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