Kids love to be picky and it can drive parents absolutely crazy.
When its time for the holidays, do you find yourself thinking of what your kids would like instead of what you would like?
This is a common household problem for many families. Instead of choosing what you would like to eat, you’re pondering on rather or not to make it because your children may not like it. Or, you may end up cooking two meals so that way, everyone is happy.
Reality check, it doesn’t have to be this way every time!! We’ve come up with some fool-proof ways to make sure you and your kids are happy and full this holiday season.
Make food fun!
Food can be fun or it can be boring. Placing a bunch of vegetables onto a plate and handing it off can really turn a kid away from eating them. However, you can place those same vegetables onto a stick or make a funny face with them; it could really make all the difference.
Let your children help.
Whenever children are involved, they are more willing to try something new. We know, first hand, that this is a very true statement and a great way to get children to eat something that they wouldn’t in the past. By allowing them to help, you are giving them the power to create and explore. Which, in return, gets them excited to try the things they create and want to continue to mix and match foods just to see what happens and how it tastes.
Secret ingredients
If none of the ones before this one helped, this one will surely do the trick. We have all done it… we’ve secretly placed some vegetables on their plate making them believe its fruit or something crazy and they actually (eventually) believe you. Instead of cutting up potatoes to make homemade mashed potatoes, why not chop up some cauliflower and make ‘mashed potatoes’ that way? Instead of placing spaghetti noodles, why not make zucchini noodles? There are so many healthier options available that your children would never know the difference and just watch – they will all love it!
Don’t force them
If your child just absolutely refuses to introduce new foods into their lives, that is okay. Eventually, they will want to try something new, even if it’s a new flavor of the same food they’ve been eating for years. It all takes time and every child develops at their own pace. However, encouraging trying new foods and talking about different tastes, smells, and alternatives is a great place to start when it comes to picky eaters!