If you have children, most likely you have at least one picky eater in the bunch or maybe your only child is a picky eater. Whatever your situation this can definitely become stressful not only for the parent, but for the child as well. We worry that our children will not grow and develop properly if not eating the proper nutrients day in and day out. I am sure you can relate with these concerns.
Are you currently dealing with a picky eater in your home? My youngest (3) is my picky eater and some days it’s like pulling teeth just getting her to eat. I have learned some fun tips and tricks along the way when my older two were at the “picky eater” stage and thankfully; they are starting to work with my independent little preschooler.
5 Tips for the Picky Eater
- Tip 1: Use those plastic entrée plates, (separate compartments for different foods, like those kid TV dinner trays) I have learned keeping the foods separated where they can see everything individually, is less intimidating.
- Tip 2: If you don’t have entrée plates, keep the portions small. Picky eaters will not eat if the plate is full of food. It’s overwhelming. Keeping it simple is key and they are more likely to come to you for seconds this way, but don’t get your hopes up on that one.
- Tip 3: Some days you just have to get fun and creative in order for them to eat. Turn dinner into a work of art. (i.e. Pancake Sun with chocolate chips as the face and strawberry slices as the sun rays or turn broccoli into little trees, etc.)
- Tip 4: When meal planning, always try to keep your children in mind. Will they eat it? Does it look gross? You get the picture.
- Tip 5: If all else fails, make sure your children are taking children’s’ vitamin supplements to make up for the loss of food intake. If it becomes a major concern, it’s best to consult your child’s pediatrician to examine other options.
Hopefully these tips will be helpful when it’s time to feed your picky eater. I literally still use tips 1-4. There have been a couple of times where I have had to consult my child’s pediatrician, but as they mature things get a little easier. The key here is consistency. Be consistent and in time they will learn to eat what is put in front of them without any whines, groans, and moans. Here’s to stress free meal times!
