- Involve children in the cooking process. Simple steps such as washing produce or setting the table can help increase the likelihood your child will taste the food they helped to make, especially for picky eaters.
- Offer the same foods for the entire family. Try to limit being a “short order cook.” Let your child eat as little or as much as much as you serve them will satisfy their appetite and encourage listening to hunger/fullness cues.
- Eat together and minimize distractions. Encourage a positive eating experience by talking with your child about their day or what they are looking forward to.
- Be a role model by eating and enjoying the same foods you want your child to eat.
- Buy small-sized foods or make shapes out of food to keep eating interesting.
- Let your children be the “produce pickers” and allow them to choose the produce you buy at the grocery store.
- Offer choices when creating meals. Instead of, “Do you want broccoli for dinner?” try asking, “Do you want broccoli or carrots for dinner?”
- Try serving a new food along with a food your child enjoys. Having too many new foods at once may be overwhelming for some children.
- If your child helps with the cooking process, give the recipe a fun, new personalized name such as, “Ashley’s Amazing Fruit Salad” or “Jacob’s Apple Oatmeal.”
- Encourage eating healthy foods by keeping the refrigerator stocked with healthy snacks like apple slices, carrot sticks, peanut butter, and string cheese.
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Educational content provided by DaVita
