ALBAWABA - Being a parent is very rewarding, yet hard, as children can be difficult with food by being picky eaters.
It can be easy to get frustrated when your child isn't eating a healthy meal you prepared for them. Maybe they don't like its taste, or they just feel like eating something else. Having a child that is a picky eater is a common thing many parents go through.
Here are some ways and strategies you can use to make your child less of a picky eater and more open about their food choices:
1. Offer a variety of foods
Pexels
One of the main reasons why children can be picky eaters is that they might not be used to consuming new foods. Parents should encourage their children by introducing new foods gradually and aim to offer a variety of options. Regularly introducing new textures, flavors, and colors encourages children to explore new tastes.
2. Encourage family meals
Shutterstock
It might not be easy to always eat together with the rest of the family because of busy work schedules, but it's important to try and do so whenever it's possible as eating meals together is crucial for children's social and emotional development.
It also helps expose children to new foods and expand their horizons, Try using this opportunity to make mealtime a bonding experience, which in turn will help children create more enjoyable and positive associations with foods that they might not have otherwise liked.
3. Involve the child in cooking
Shutterstock
If your child is old enough, consider making them get involved in the cooking process. Taking part in the process of preparing the meal could very well make them more invested in the food and even more likely to try it. Even young children can help with small tasks such as stirring.
Another positive point is that it could lead your child to want to learn cooking more seriously in the future, which is a great life asset.
4. Be persistent and consistent
Pexels
Consistency is key when dealing with a picky eater. It is important to introduce new foods regularly and continue to offer them even if the child doesn’t initially like them. Eventually, the child may develop a taste for specific food as they become more familiar with it.
5. Use Positive Affirmations
Shutterstock
It's important to use positive affirmations as much as possible while trying to improve a child's eating habits. Celebrate small successes often. Encouraging comments and praise can motivate the child to continue eating new food.
6. Keep portions small
Pexels
A good strategy to use while dealing with a picky eater is not to go all out right away. Sometimes presenting a new food by only offering a smaller portion of it could be the right way to go. It's an easier way to encourage children to try new food without making them feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount.
