December 13, 2020 5 years ago leave a comment 757 Views Likes:
Is your kid refusing to eat anything other than his/her favorite?
Most kids just like most adults find some foods unpalatable which makes mealtimes stressful for the family. But most kids eventually outgrow it. Picky eating is one of the most common food-related complaints among parents/guardians. If left unaddressed, picky eating can result in a limited diet and lack of adequate nutrition. So it is important to address the issue as soon as you can.
It’s never too late to start having a healthier and more enjoyable mealtime. Try these tips to help your kid develop better-eating habits.
1. Plan family mealtime
If possible, share a meal together as a family, as often as you can. Do not offer food while your kid is playing, watching television, or walking around.
2. Don’t force food on kids
Avoid negotiating with your kids. Don’t pressure, praise, reward, trick or punish your kid to eat/finish certain foods. Making a kid sit at the table until his/her plate is empty is not the best way to get her to eat. Serve small portions to avoid overwhelming your kid and allow him or her to independently ask for more.
3. Eat at regular times
Serve meals and snacks at about the same times every day. If your kid chooses not to eat a meal, a regular snack time will offer an opportunity to eat nutritious food. Offer only water (liquid) between meals and snacks. Avoid allowing your kid to drink more water, or eat more snacks throughout the day might decrease his or her appetite for meals.
4. Be persistent
Your kid might need repeated exposure to a new food even if your kid has said no to them before, they might accept it the next time. Encourage your kid by serving new foods on different days, at different meals, in different recipes, or along with your kid’s favorite foods. Also, try saving what your kid didn’t eat, if your kid wants a meal/snack later, try offering the same food again. Eventually, they will get used to it. Don’t give up!
5. Don’t make a second meal
When children don’t like what’s for mealtime, some parents feel compelled to make something else. Preparing a separate meal for your kid after he or she rejects the original meal might promote picky eating.
6. Involve your kid’s help
Encourage your kid to help you when cooking or planning meals. It helps them feel in control and encourages them to eat what they helped cook. When buying food items, they can pick out food items to try. At home, you can also involve your kids in the preparation of meals, they can help you to get bowls, spoons, and even set the table.
7. Be a role model
Your kid will be willing to try new foods if she sees others at the table eating the same foods.
8. Offer a variety
It is important to consistently introduce new foods. But do not overwhelm your kid.
9. Minimize distractions
Turn off the television and other electronic gadgets and put their toys away during meals. This will help your kid focus on eating.
Keep in mind that picky eating usually is a normal developmental stage for kids. If you’re concerned that picky eating is compromising your child’s growth and development, consult your child’s doctor.
