mom
30seconds.com/mom
Pick Apart Picky Eaters: Quick Tips From Author Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan! by Donna John
Blog
9 years ago
Yuck! Gross! No way! If you’ve got a picky eater, it’s a good bet that you’ve heard at least one of those statements at mealtime. Some kids are just resistant to trying a variety of foods. Luckily, we have Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan (@OneSweetWriter), author of My Food Notebook, on hand to help!
Q: How do you help your picky eater try new foods?
- Try offering small bites on sticks.
- Invite your picky eater to help you cook.
- Go on a shopping trip with your picky eater.
- Let them draw/write about their foods.
Q: How do you get kids to eat foods they want to avoid?
- Kids eat with all five senses. Does it look good? Sound gross?
- Try prepping food in a new way. Cubed veggies often look better than mashed.
- Keep track of food successes.
Q: How do you avoid dinnertime battles?
- Serve food family style.
- Don’t use dessert as a reward or punishment.
- Remind them of times they’ve tried it and liked it.
Q: How do you encourage your picky eater to be open to trying new foods?
- Often kids can’t remember foods they’ve tried. Help kids keep a list of what they have tried and liked.
- Don’t force kids to eat when they aren’t hungry.
Q: How many times should food be offered to a picky eater?
- Parents often give up after two to three “yucks.” It may take up to 20 tries before a child decides they like a certain food.
- Kids need to see and smell before they taste.
- Make it familiar and offer choices of new foods.
Q: What can parents do to encourage kids to try new foods?
- Modeling is a big part of parenting.
- It can be fun to go on a food adventure with your child.
- Record what worked and didn’t and try it again!
Make sure to follow @OneSweetWriter, like her Facebook page and visit her website!
start discussion