Getting children to eat a varied and balanced diet can be a daunting task, especially when they seem to have a never-ending list of foods they won’t touch. To make matters worse, some children are particularly fussy through no fault of their own. When you have multiple children of different ages, finding foods for everyone to enjoy becomes even more challenging, and mealtimes can end up being a significant source of stress. However, not all hope is lost. Many parents struggle with picky eaters and mealtime battles, but there are strategies and tips that can help.
Why Your Kids Might Not Want To Eat Certain Foods
There are many reasons why your child might be a fussy eater. Something as simple as the way the food looks could put a child off, or the way it feels in their hands or mouth. If something is difficult to chew, the child may give up and refuse to eat it. As strange as it might sound, some children have trouble engaging with their food if they think it’s boring. It is also worth noting that children with special needs, such as those on the autism spectrum, are often especially fussy when it comes to food.
What You Can Do To Help Them Feel Confident Trying Different Foods
Trying to incorporate some new foods into your kid’s diet? This is no minor task—especially if your child is apprehensive about unfamiliar foods. Here are some tips to build their confidence:
1. Introduce New Foods Slowly
Children are generally going to be uncertain about new foods, no matter what it is they’re trying. The key to overcoming this fear is to introduce new foods slowly so as to not overwhelm them. For example, you could try adding one new thing to a meal that is already familiar to them. If they avoid the new element, encourage them to at least try a bite of it. Explain that sometimes their taste buds need to get used to a flavour before they can enjoy it.
2. Don’t Fight Over Food
This can be difficult, but try your best not to make food a source of conflict or bargaining. Many well-intentioned parents will try to bribe their kids to eat healthy foods. This might involve offering dessert as a reward for eating their vegetables, or giving them sweets as an expression of love or praise. Behaviour like this can send kids the message that some foods are more desirable than others, and it can also encourage them to seek certain foods out for comfort or joy. Instead, try to be neutral about food, so that your kids get the message that they should be open to different types of food in equal measure. Additionally, it’s quite common for parents to force their kids to finish their plates. This isn’t advisable, as it teaches kids to ignore feelings of fullness.
3. Lead by Example
Children tend to do as you do. This is why it can be so helpful to eat the foods you want them to eat, especially if they’re unsure about something new. If they see you eating and enjoying the meal, they’ll be more likely to believe that it could be okay for them to try it too. In general, it’s a good idea to eat healthily around your kids, without making it a big deal.
What You Can Do if Your Child Has a Limited Diet
When your child has an extremely limited diet, meal times can be very difficult. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. For example, planning out their meals and snacks for the day will help you keep track of what they’ve consumed. Remember that anything is better than nothing, and if they’re eating regularly, you’ll be able to avoid a lot of crankiness. Even if your child is extremely fussy, make sure you have plenty of options available for them. You don’t want to discourage bravery or limit their opportunities to try something new. Another great idea is to get your kids involved in the shopping or cooking processes, as this can spark greater interest in food.
Stick With It!
Getting your children to eat a balanced and varied diet will likely be a never-ending battle. There will be good days and bad days, and there will probably be moments in which you slip up and go against the rules you’ve laid out for yourself. It’s important to remember that parenting is difficult and unpredictable, and no two children are exactly alike. This means that what works for one child might not work for the next. All this is to say that you shouldn’t be hard on yourself. Do the best you can, and remember that consistency is key. Over time, your efforts to stay patient, offer options, and make mealtimes fun will certainly make a difference in improving your child’s diet!
