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Having a fussy eater in our family is a challenge. And I’ve found that most kids are fussy eaters about something at some point. But for chronic fussers it’s easy for parents to hover and continue to offer alternative food choices in the hopes of getting them to try the presented foods and at the least…fill their bellies. The trick is….if you want to get your child out of this pattern, don’t fuss over them or bring out options. Do this instead:
Plate, Serve and Stop
We put a rule into place after I got tired of running back and forth to the kitchen to find something they would eat. Now I plate up the food in the kitchen. I serve the plates. The rule is…they eat what’s on their plate and there will be nothing else. I know it sounds harsh but it has worked so well for us!! I always have 4-5 things on the plate and they tend to eat their favorite things first, of course. But instead of giving them seconds on that I ask them to finish the other items on the plate. IMPORTANT…they have to be hungry for this to work!
Be Patient
I can’t tell you how many times our son refused the food I served and threw a fit only to agree to try it later in the meal. You may need to present your child with a food more than once before they are willing to try it. This is normal. Also, be prepared to sit at the table for a while. My husband and I are always WAITING for them to finish their food but if we don’t rush it, they always do. I’m hoping this changes but for now we have to allow more time for the family meal.
Give Them Dips For Taste
If your kids are adamant they don’t like vegetables, you could start off by giving them sauces and dips for taste. This might make it easier for them. It may not be the healthiest option, but at least they are eating them.
Give Them A Choice
Giving your kids a choice can help them to feel better about eating their meals. Don’t straight out ask them what they want, as they might suggest something ridiculous and then kick up a fuss until they get it. Instead, come up with two healthy meals and ask which one they want. Again, this makes them feel more in control. Then serve it and refer to the suggestions above.
Plate Small Portions
Plate up smaller portions of food so that it doesn’t look so intimidating. Make sure they are getting the correct portion sizes for their age. I prepare and decorate each plate setting with bite-sized pieces. For example, a row of chicken (I cut into palatable bites) or lining up five green beans. I often make interesting shapes or faces to get them interested.
Watch What You Say
I’m the mom that talks about healthy eating while we’re at the dinner table. I don’t bribe or threaten, say things like, ‘you won’t get any dessert’, or praise them too much for eating something. However, I am teaching them that it’s crucial to load up on healthy foods. They are exposed to snacks and sugars everywhere they go. So I serve healthy proteins and veggies for dinner. A lot of what you say will have a subconscious effect on them, which can actually stick with them until much later on in life.
Make Eating Fun
Things like a fun tablecloth and plates keep things lively. You could even give the foods fun names. Some people call broccoli ‘mini trees’ in front of their kids, and this suddenly seems to make it delicious! You could even get them involved in cooking dinner. I just learned about getting an induction cookware set as a much safer way to have little ones at the stove with you while cooking. The heat generation gets halted when the magnetic pan is moved away. I love cooking with the kiddos and they will pretty much eat anything they are part of preparing! Make sure there’s no pressure around meal times and it’s the rewarding time it’s supposed to be.
Have A Change Of Scenery
Why not try a change of scenery if the dinner table is becoming a place nobody likes to be? You could have a picnic in the garden, or even on the living room floor. Mix things up and it might encourage them to try new things too.
The most important thing to remember is that you can’t turn this into a power struggle. Threatening will do that, and it’ll solidify your child’s fussy ways. Stay as cool as a cucumber. It’s your job to serve them food, but it isn’t your job to force them to eat it. You definitely shouldn’t start cooking them their own separate meals. Eat together as a family and use the other tips in this guide for the best results!