Fussy eating is one of the most common things parents have to face. One day your child loves a certain food and the next day they hate it! So, how do you deal with a fussy eater?
Involve your child in buying food
Little people are more likely to be open to trying new foods if they’ve been involved in choosing them. Your child might enjoy going to a farmer’s market, where they can help to choose colourful fresh fruit and vegetables that look interesting.
Make food fun
Playing with food doesn’t have to be a bad thing. A child is more likely to eat a food that’s colourful, cut into fun shapes or paired with a dip.
Repeat your offerings
Even if your child doesn’t accept something the first time you offer it to them, it doesn’t mean it’s off the menu forever. Keep offering the same food and eventually they may be willing to take a bite or two.
Give them condiments
Even though to you broccoli and ketchup might appear very unappetising, to your child it may be great! Let them explore and experiment with foods that don’t necessarily go together.
Avoid the same food at meals
While it’s easy to fall into the rut of giving your child an easy dinner of things you know they will eat, this only reinforces the idea that they don’t need to try new foods.
Don’t force your child to eat
As much as you want your child to enjoy a varied diet and eat food with enthusiasm, don’t force them to do so. Encourage them to eat their food, but don’t punish them if they don’t.
