Let us talk about picky eaters. Most parents will hit this wall along the parenting journey. I have four children, so I am very familiar with the subject. I used my parents’ methods where food is concerned: this is what I prepared, and if you do not eat it, you do not eat. However, there are a few things that I would let slide. For example, Eli will eat anything under the sum except cucumbers, but he eats pickles. I know, right, it is a preserved cucumber. Eli will not eat tomatoes and sweet peppers if they are cooked and shriveled in his food. He prefers them raw. Kids are strange creatures.
My Kids Crazy Eating Habits
Anayah will eat anything except eggplant (boulanger or baigan are the names I grew up on) and tomatoes. So, I found an alternative way to prepare boulanger. Usually, I would remove the skin, dice, and sauté in seasonings like onions, garlic, shallots, a variety of hot peppers, carrots, sweet peppers, tomatoes, basil, oregano, parsley, and celery. I love the combination, but she insists that it irritates her lips: it makes them itchy.
I believe her because that is a regular complaint from some people when they eat boulanger. If a veggie is causing some adverse reaction, I would generally not insist that they eat it, but in this case, I started preparing it differently. I still sauté it in the seasonings previously mentioned, but I roast it (choka) or cut it in half and fry it in oil. Scoop out the insides and sauté in seasoning. She loves it like that and does not get the itchy sensation after she eats it.
Shiloh is our resident eater. That child will sit there and pack food away, but not bitter melons (corilla). Listen, this one is understandable, but when I think of the medicinal values in the veggie, I insist that she eats it. I use bribery to get her to eat this veggie, and yes, I know it is not the best way, but hey, it works, and that is a win for me. Therefore, it goes like this, eat the corilla, and you will get a cookie of your choice, and in two minutes, her plate is empty.
Zarah, our princess baby, will eat anything once she is fed, and I have to admit I struggle with this the most. She is four years old and should be feeding herself at this age. Her dad mainly does this job. She objects to eating lettuce and raw spinach; she says, ” Mommy, I do not like to eat the leaves,” and then she tosses them aside. I fixed that issue with some salad dressing.
It’s Different with Babies
Four children, four different issues, but the general undertone is; you have to eat it; it’s good for you. This method works with children of a certain age. It’s different with babies, and when introducing new foods, you’ll have to be a little more subtle. When introducing new food to babies, you have to try the food for at least three days and check for allergic reactions, and so on. If a child gags when eating a food, omit the food from their diet; maybe speak to a professional about it.
Tips for Dealing with Picky Eaters
Here are a few tips when dealing with picky eaters:
1. Use a buffet style method of serving the food
Lay the food out on platters and let them see all the options. You, as the parent, make your selections and then have them make their selections. In most cases, they will follow your pattern and pick the food you have chosen; if they do not, gently suggest that they try other options. They may refuse at first, but at every meal, make sure there is a veggie and have them keep trying it until they acquire the taste.
2. Have conversations about healthy eating
With your older children, you can let them know what fruits and veggies do for their bodies and how an absence can affect their bodies. It is wise to encourage your children to tell you what they do not like about the food, texture, or color.
Try to find a workaround, like including them in the preparation. Have them taste the food along the way and give praise for being your helper and so on.
3. Try different ways of preparing vegetables
There are tons of recipes online for preparing vegetables. Keep trying different methods until one works. My kids are not fans of zucchini, but they eat it with no trouble when I add cheese. If carrots and tomatoes are an issue, try a tomato and carrot soup or blend them into your pasta sauce.
4. Have a dessert at the end of your meal
The dessert does not have to be sugar-packed; it can be a platter of fruits. Jazz it up with some yogurt or whipped cream. Dessert will be an incentive for your children to eat the main course.
5. Have a cheat day
You may have to use some bargaining with your children. Have a night where you may have burgers or pizza for dinner. A cheat day will be the ultimate reward. They can participate in a cheat day once they have had a successful week of veggie eating.
Homemade treats. The children love these.
6. Be patient
Remember how you were as a child when you tried something you did not like and use that empathy when trying to get your child to try to eat their veggies.
7. Resort to the old school method
The old-school way is my go-to method, and so far, it has worked. Everyone is different, and at the end of the day, you will do what works for you to keep your child healthy: if you do not eat what I prepare, you do not eat. Zarah and Anayah sometimes flat out refuse lunch, but two hours later, when Mr. Hunger shows up, they come looking for the same food they refused to eat earlier.
Conclusion
Just remember, at the end of the day, we want a healthy diet for our children. Think of the values of a healthy diet and use that as your motivation. Patience, persistence, and consistency will help you along the way.
We have had to get creative on how we present (or hide) vegetables in things at our house. Great tips for picky eaters!
Thank you. Sometimes, I want to throw in the towel, but it is best for them in the long run.
Your blog looks great. I have noticed in the last two generations that kids have become picky. In my day we ate what Mom put out or we didn’t eat. But I do try to get my grandsons to eat what they will eat. You gave me a great topic for my blog.
Thank you, and yes, I agree children have become pickier. My dad thinks it’s because there are too many options, lol. What are some of your grandsons’ favourites?
Thank you for the tips! I will try the buffet method or a charcuterie board with my picky 2 year old.
You’re welcome. Let me know how it goes.
These are really great tips. It’s so hard to get my son to try new foods, so I’ll definitely start incorporating these with him. Serving food buffet style just might be what turns things around. Fingers crossed ?
Thank you, it would be great to get some feedback on the buffet-style attempt.