Chances are you may have a picky eater on your hands because most of us do. Today I wanted to share a list of ten tips I compiled to help you feed your picky eater. I know it can be challenging, and I’m here to help!
1. Drink it. If your little one would rather drink their meal, make a healthy smoothie for them. Sometimes my son refuses food but is all about carrying his meal in a fun cup and drinking it. As long as they are drinking something with all the nutrients they need, who cares if they eat it through a straw rather than with a fork or spoon.
2. Cut it up creatively. Make their sandwich, pancakes, or pizza look more interesting by cutting it up using fun cookie cutters. Your child will love this spin on their normal “boring” food.
3. Dip it. Give your child a little peanut butter to dip their apple slices in. Give them a little ranch dressing on the side with their carrots. My son is a big dipper. It’s fun for him to dip chips in guacamole and crackers in cream cheese spread.
4. Let them cook. Get your child in the kitchen with you the next time you prepare their meal. Give your helper some small fun chores to do while you two cook together. Getting them in the kitchen to prepare their own meal may get them more interested in eating the food.
5. Make it count. If your child is a picky or light eater, give them small amounts of food that pack in lots of nutrients. Foods like avocados, broccoli, peanut butter, eggs, and beans are all good choices of foods to feed picky and light eaters.
6. Give your child their own food shelf. By making their food accessible to them, it will encourage your child to eat. When your child is hungry, let them choose their own snack on their special cupboard shelf.
7. Make their food bright and appealing. When serving food for your child, give them an array of different foods with bright and different colors. Have them name all the colors to you while they are eating. Make it fun and make it look good.
8. Hide the food. If your child likes quesadillas, don’t just put cheese in it. Stick some delicious beans and vegetables in there, too. Have a mac and cheese lover? Add some tuna. Make what your child loves, but with a twist.
9. Take your cues from your kid. It’s okay if your child wants eggs and bacon for every meal. If that’s what they want, try gradually adding new things to it. Throw in some sausage or green beans next time. Slowly but surely your child will learn to love new things.
10. Relax. I’ve known many, many people who were very picky eaters as children and grew up to eat anything and everything. Part of being a child means discovering your likes and dislikes and not everyone is going to love every type of food. Stay calm, and help your child learn what healthy foods they love to eat.
What tip would you add to the list? Leave a comment and let us know!