Picky Eater Tips
* Serve small portions to avoid overwhelming your child and give him/her the opportunity to independently ask for more.
* Stick to a routine. Serve meals and snacks at about the same time everyday.
* Be patient with new foods. It will most likely take repeated exposures to a new
food before taking the first bite, that could be 20+ times
* Don’t be a short order cook. Preparing a separate meal for the picky eater only
promotes picky eating.
* Make it fun. Serve a new vegetable with a favorite dip or sauce. Offer breakfast
foods for dinner. Serve a variety of brightly colored foods.
* Include your childs help. If you take him to the grocery ask for their help in
picking out fruits and vegetables. Don’t buy anything you don’t want your child to eat. When you get home have them help with the rinsing of the vegetables, stir the batter, crack eggs, set the table.
* Set a good example. If you eat a variety of healthy food your child is more likely to follow suit
* Be creative. Add vegetables to spaghetti sauce, top cereal with fruit slices or mix grated zucchini and carrots into casseroles and soups
* Minimize distractions. Make sure all electronic devices are off during meal time.
* Have a safe food on the plate. Always provide a food the child likes (safe food) on the plate along with a small portion of new food you are introducing.
* Don’t offer dessert as a reward. Withholding dessert sends the message that
dessert is the best part of the meal which might only increase your child’s desire for sweets. Selecting 1 or 2 nights a week as dessert nights skipping dessert the rest of the week or redefine dessert as fruit, yogurt or other healthy choices.