Dealing with picky eaters

[rocknrollmommy]

I agree about making food fun. I love the cookie cutter idea. Also, I always serve SOMETHING my children all like. For example, they all like corn on the cob so if we are having something new or that they won't be so excited about I serve corn on the cob with it (or something else) and they have to eat everything on their plate before they get seconds...they will want more corn on the cob.

[Xero]

That's a great idea too, making sure to serve something they like. It makes it fair enough that since they have something they like, they can try something they're not sure of too.

[Ruben Padilla]

When my son was younger, I had much success with a bit of reverse psychology:

It's very important that I watch everything you eat, Knight. So please don't taste this food when I'm not looking, because then I might lose count. Whatever you do, don't take a bite when I'm not looking."

Said with a smile, this doesn't send mixed messages. He knew I was having fun (and that's so important!).

I'd turn my head, he'd sneak a bite, and then I'd turn around.

"Wait a minute! It looks like there's less food on your plate! Are you chewing something? How many bites was that? I'm losing count! I'll make sure I don't look away again!

(Look away again)...

Was that another bite? I don't know what number I'm on! I must see everything! Let's start over! Zero bites! Okay?

And repeat.

I once had a parent wonder out loud if this was potentially damaging - to insists that a child not do something, and then allow him to actually do it, with no repercussions.

I wondered about this too - but only for a minute.

We're talking about vegetables, here. Done with a smile and playful attitude, kids get it - and they love it.

And now - several years later, there's no harmful residue. In fact, he doesn't even really remember how I got him to enjoy vegetables.

He just does...

[TabascoNatalie]

I am a picky eater myself and i'm proud of it. here are some of my points.

1) DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY. A lot of parents act this way -- if a child eats well "Oh, I'm so proud", if the opposite "What did I do wrong?" or even better "He/she is defying my authority by refusing to eat". Then they turn it into a power struggle and that's NOT a way to go about a healthy diet.

2) IF THEY'RE NOT HUNGRY. Or they really dislike it. Let them be. Unless it is a serious medical condition or a very strict diet. It is just wrong to force onself to eat more when not hungry, and then "reward" with even more food (the desert). Then we wonder why obesity and eating disorders are on epidemic levels.

3) WHAT ABOUT YOUR COOKING SKILLS? No offense to anyone, but it seems so popular for a modern day mother to hate the kitchen. So what kind of food you can make if you hate it? Learn to cook, and it will be a pleasure for everyone.

4) HEALTHY FOOD CAN BE TASTY. Yesterday I went to a vegan food presentation. oh wow. You can make incredible things with the most simple ingredients and very little time. Veggies don't have to be bland. Just find a way to make them right

[Xero]

Ruben - That's a really cute idea! Kids are very responsive to that kind of playful behavior. I know my son would love that, and he would probably play along. I should give it a try. I don't see anything harmful in it at all.

TabascoNatalie - I can't agree with you more! Thank you for adding your great points.

[momof3girls]

when my 3 year old was starting out on solids we went through an almost 3 month peroid where ALL she ate was diced ham fruit ( of any sort) and string cheese. Now thankfully she eats most things. and will try a new food atleast twice before deciding she doesn't like it (House rule) My 18 month old on the other hand eats any and everything.

[Xero]

I have been through times like that with my four-year-old, momof3girls!! I sure hope my little guy is more like your 18-month-old, and he likes everything!

[cruithne86]

i think taste buds are pre programmed... i m 32 years old and still cant eat lots of vegetables.. infact i can count vegetables that i eat on my fingers..
my mom tried really hard but i just couldnt eat.. i just cant yet.
so i belive try to figure out healthy diet in wat ever kid is eating is best..
i remember for sake of judo i did eat boiled vegies for few days.. thats about it..