Is your child a picky eater? Someone who would just eat one food- a certain fast-food brand of fried chicken nuggets may be. There’s no two ways about fussy eating being a common food-related issue that parents struggle to address. If left unaddressed, the situation might go out of your hand and before you know it can result in a limited diet and a lack of adequate nutrition. As the saying goes “easier said than done,” trying to get a child to eat a nutritious meal can be a challenge. If you’re not careful, it can lead to a string of ongoing arguments.
It’s time parents went ahead with helping their kids when they won’t eat the amount or variety required to keep up their nutritional status. So if you have a fussy eater on your hands, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Remember, the best way to help your child expand their food interests is by introducing your kid to a variety of foods when they’re young, which will help them develop a more diverse palate as they grow up.
Here are some steps you can take to encourage your child to eat healthy and become a fuss-free and happy eater. These tips are by child daycares Howell NJ:
Provide new foods- The key to getting your kids to expand their palate is by introducing new foods from time to time. But do not go overboard with it, serve one new food at a time and do so alongside a food that’s a familiar favorite. For example, if your child loves macaroni and cheese, pair it with broccoli to their plate. So play with such different combinations of food.
Involve your child in the preparation- Involving kids in food preparation is a huge motivation for them, and also children are more enthusiastic about trying a food if they've been involved in growing it, choosing it, or preparing it. Enlist their help in simple tasks, such as stirring and adding ingredients.
Make food fun- Children are more likely to try foods that are colourful. You can cut into fun shapes, or pair foods with a dip. Of course, this would mean more work but will be worth it. Also, reward them with a small prize at the end for each different color food they try.
Be a role model- Children love to mimic their parents. You must behave around foods the same way you would want your child to respond. If you don’t like cauliflower and your child doesn’t like cauliflower, you cannot expect them or force them to try it if you’re not willing to do the same. Also your being adventurous with your food choices will inspire them as well. Look up new recipes and find uncommon foods that will be a different experience for you, too.
Remember, up to one in four kids has an eating problem in early childhood. Although most children outgrow that phase, 1 to 2 percent needs professional help as physical problems like food allergies or metabolic disorders might be the underlying reasons.
For more details check out https://www.genius-kids.us/
