Dealing with a picky eater during mealtime is a tough yet challenging task for moms. Considering that the child's health is at stake, techniques and strategies are important to ensure that he gets all the nutrients that he needs.
Here are a few tips that can be helpful in reducing the chaotic experience in feeding the young ones.
1. Long-term appetite
You may have filled his plate with nutritious foods, but forcing a child to finish what is served should not be the goal but to make him love the food and appreciate its benefit.
2. Practice what you preach
The child must see you walk the talk because most children duplicate what they see their parents do. It will be easy to offer him something that he sees beneficial and seems enjoyable to you.
3. Make it look appealing
Make mealtime fun by serving healthy foods the fun way. You may want to make designs out of the vegetables and put the colorful ones on top according to The Parenting.
4. Be patient
Make him want to eat the food even when you're not around by introducing it to him little by little.
5. Creativity counts
Instead of the usual way of cooking vegetables, you may try to stuff your picky eater's favorite foods with chopped or minced veggies making sure not to sacrifice the taste and not compromising on proper food combinations.
6. Make him do the job
Make him appreciate the value of the food from kitchen to dining table as though he is serving in a restaurant, making him more conscious of how the food will be consumed rather than how it tastes for him.
7. Take advantage of time
When they sit down hungry, whatever you serve in the table may seem delicious to them. Serve the veggies first and save their favorites for the last.
8. Eat as a family
Make him see how his brothers and sisters appreciate what you serve. Getting a child used to family mealtime. He may not want to eat immediately but at least have him stay until dinner is over.
9. Dessert is not a reward
Making dessert as the fruit of eating vegetables creates a mentality that sweets is the best part of the meal.
10. Make him focus
Avoid having electronic devices and gadgets around when eating. These make distractions that can affect his appetite according to Mayo Clinic.
