Outsmart Your Picky Eater!
By Sara Butler
Dealing with picky eaters is no fun! Sometimes kids are turned off by the texture or taste of a food and refuse to even look at them; other kids don’t ever want to try anything new. Of course, some kids just like to exert a little control over their lives, which is why they can be rather obstinate when it comes to trying new things. Whatever reason your child may give for refusing new foods, there are some ways you can work with them to introduce new things. Here are a few tips that can help.
Don’t Fight Them
When kids make up their minds about something, they often can’t be talked out of it. It can be very frustrating as a parent to deal with this, especially when you’re only trying to make sure they’re eating foods that are good for their growing little bodies. However frustrated you get, you must resist the urge to argue with them about it. This doesn’t mean you should give in to their demands, either, but instead take a deep breath and come up with another method to get your little angel to try new things.
Show Them
One of the best ways you can get your child to try something new is to be a good role model for them. Whether you are aware of it or not, your child watches everything you do. So, start with yourself and think about the things you’re teaching your child through example. Make healthy choices!
Start Small
One of the best strategies for dealing with a picky eater is to get them to try just a little of something new for a reward. You can make a fun game out of it by having them try just a bite of something, then reward them with a sticker or something equally enticing. The point of this exercise is to get them to try new things over and over until they get used to the taste. After a while, they may start to like it!
Start with Starch
Starchy and sweet vegetables are a great place to start introducing new things. Carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, and corn are great places to start. Offer them just a small taste of it and your child will likely learn to like a few things they thought they wouldn’t, helping to set them up for success to try other new foods down the line.
You can work with your picky eater to expand their culinary experience. Try a few of these tips to help!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Riverside, Calif.