Help Your Picky Eater Thrive

For parents with a picky eater, it may seem that no amount of coaxing or prodding will get that little mouth in healthy motion. A fresh approach may be all you need to make mealtime a more enjoyable experience for all.

Proper nourishment is essential for a child’s development, so when a battle of wills erupts over food, it can leave parents feeling frustrated and concerned about their child’s well-being. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can adapt to get mealtime on track and healthy eating habits under way.

Make a one-bite rule.

A simple fact is that not everyone likes everything when it comes to food. Allow your child a sense of control in making decisions about the foods he or she likes or dislikes. When offering new items, implement a rule that requires trying at least one bite. Then, if he or she declines more, set it aside and focus on the other foods you are offering. Remember, tastes change over time — even day to day for some kids — so don’t be afraid to try again in the future.

Offer an incentive.

Make mealtime an interactive experience. For example, Dinner Winner (fredandfriends.com) is a kid’s dinner tray divided into small sections like a board game. Parents can portion out food into manageable bites along the path. The goal is to get to the finish line where a special covered treat awaits. For more ideas, search “interactive tableware for kids” online.

Keep it simple.

Some well-intentioned parents offer too many choices, which can be overwhelming. Instead, limit the options and let them pick from two meal options, such as a grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Approach meals like building blocks.

Think of each meal as a tower of blocks you’re teaching your child to stack. The bottom piece, the sturdy foundation, is a familiar food he or she willingly accepts like chicken or noodles. Then layer on additional pieces, such as adding a sauce with pureed veggies or a new protein.

Create a sense of ownership.

Kids are more likely to eat when they can take pride in the fruits of their labor. Enlist their help picking recipes and selecting foods at the grocery store, and encourage them to help make the foods they selected. Much like prized hand-made artwork, children enjoy showing and sharing the things they make all by themselves.