Parents always want the best for their child as this often extends to the kinds of food that they eat to keep them healthy. Here are five ways to get a picky child to try new food develop good habits for the long-term.
1. Be An Example
Parents should be following the one-bite rule themselves to be a good role model. The one-bite rule means everyone in the family must try at least one bite of new food, without any exceptions.
2. Be Calm
A picky eater can be frustrating but parents should always try to keep calm and remain a carefree front. Once kids see that their parents are casual about eating new food, kids won't be as stubborn to persuade.
The worst thing that can happen is to turn the dining table into a warzone, according to Huffington Post. The overall goal, more than encouraging new food, is to make the dinner table a happy place for the family.
3. Take Them To The Supermarket
Kids can also pick out a new vegetable at the supermarket. While this plan may be a little doubtful, the family might end up liking a new yet strange fruit of vegetable packed with healthy benefits.
In addition, kids who help around the kitchen are more inclined to eat everything on the table. Allow big kids to help with food preparation since they invested their own time and effort to creating dinner for everyone.
4. Don't Insist They Finish The Entire Serving
Since the lesson is about introducing new varieties, encouraging healthy eating and cultivating curiosity, it's not essential for kids to finish the entire plate. Once the kid takes a few bites of the new dish, give lots of praises to reinforce cooperative behavior, according to Natural News.
5. Focus On Fun And Flavor
Children are often turned off by the looks of unfamiliar food. This can be overcome by adding new color or shapes not only to the food but also with special spoons or fancy napkins.
Focus on creating fun and flavorful dishes like glazed carrots with honey or maple syrup. Kids would be more likely to try new food when they look and taste more appealing.
