Many children go through stages of refusing to try new foods or being fussy
eaters. A study by Contemporary Pediatrics even found that two thirds
of parents had trouble introducing their kids to new food or getting them
to eat nutritious food. As much as it’s a normal part of growing
up, it’s important to always encourage them to taste new flavours
and stop being so picky. Here at Tutor Doctor we’ve come up with
some easy ways to help your children say pass to their favourite pizza
and tuck into some healthy alternatives.
The best way to encourage your child to try new foods is by starting small.
Small portion sizes such as spoonfuls and nibbles won’t be as overwhelming
and kids will be much more likely to taste and try. Once they have eaten
something for the first time, it should only get easier.
It can take 10-15 tries before a child will develop a liking for a new
food, so it’s important to never give up. The more they try something
the more familiar it will begin to taste. Remember to keep offering small
portions, followed by a food they like so that it’s not too daunting for them.
Encourage but don’t pressurise
Always encourage your child rather than pressure them into eating new
foods. Be sure to praise them when they have tasted something different
and accept it when they say they don’t like it. Trying again another
day will do no harm.
Give children a choice
Choice is perhaps the most crucial thing to consider when encouraging
fussy eaters. Let your child choose what new fruit they would like to
take in their packed lunch. Giving them choice makes them feel excited
and as if they are choosing what to eat rather than being told. You could
even get your child to decide which new foods to buy when doing the weekly
shopping. If they have specifically chosen a food they will be much more
likely to eat it, even if it’s unfamiliar to them.
Set a good example
Always try and set a good example. If children see that their parents
are trying new foods and eating healthy, they will much more likely to
do the same. However it’s important that you teach your children
that unhealthy foods are okay in moderation and shouldn’t be cut
Make it look familiar
Why not try serving some new food in a familiar ways. For example if your
child loves mash potato, why not try using sweet potato for the mash and
serve it with their normal meal. The more familiar these foods are, the
more likely they will be to eat it.
Get children involved
A really easy way to encourage fussy eaters is by getting them involved
in preparing food regardless if it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner.
This will increase your child’s willingness to try new foods and
they may even surprise you by trying things of their own accord.
Creative cooking is a great way for kids to taste new food. Fun alternatives
such as smoothies, pancakes and omlettes are easy to pack full of new
and healthy foods and taste yummy. Try blueberries in pancakes, spinach
in a smoothie and mushrooms in an omlette. They will be new favourites
before you know it!