Three Tips For Getting Your Picky Eaters To Actually Eat
It seems like every family has at least one picky eater - the kid that won't eat anything orange or the one that will only eat chicken nuggets. However, it it can be very straining on parents to provide different meal options to every child, especially after a long day at work. More importantly, it can cause health problems in children if they are not receiving the proper nutrients due to a picky appetite. Consider making meal time easier by trying out a few of these suggestions.
1. Set a good example - Parenting Magazine suggests that you set a good example for your picky eater by trying a variety of foods and eating some of everything on your plate. If you have other children, privately encourage them to do the same. Children are more likely to follow those around them, especially if they see someone that they look up to eating the foods.
2. Offer praise - When your child tries eating something that is out of his comfort zone, give him a lot of praise and encouragement. Even if he only tries a small bite and refuses to eat the entire dish, offer encouragement for simply trying and resist scolding him for leaving the rest of the food untouched. Most children respond better to praise than scolding.
3. Provide variety - Some children have aversions to entire food groups. For example, some young kids refuse to eat meats. If you worry that your child is not getting enough protein, consider offers a variety of foods so that you can find a source of protein they do approve of. Although they do not like meat right now, perhaps they will eat cottage cheese or peanuts and this should provide the protein they need.
