Gone are the days when toddlers start eating food, whatever their parents offered to them. Nowadays, with the massive provision of packaged and processed foods, children, especially toddlers, become more choosy in terms of their food choices.
It would not be wrong to say that convincing children to have new yet healthy foods now becomes one of the major concerns for most parents.
If you’re also looking to have your toddler try new food options but are unsure of how, look no further! Let’s delve into this detailed blog post to learn five practical tips to make it happen.
1. Serve flavorful Meals, But In Small Portions
Develop an interest by providing a taste. When your toddler likes the taste, it means you’ve successfully introduced a new food. Initially, give them a meal in a small portion. Once the flavour hits them, it will do magic; they will demand the same meal repeatedly.
Even a single bite (or sometimes a lick) can work, so consider offering meals in small portions, especially if your child is a picky eater.
2. Let Your Kid Work with You in the Kitchen
According to studies, toddlers tend to enjoy eating food that they have helped prepare. So, never restrict them from entering the kitchen.
Instead, encourage them to help you while preparing a meal. Additionally, take them with you when you go to the market to shop for cereals and other grocery items for cooking. Therefore, your toddler will feel encouraged to try different foods you both prepared together.
3. Invite Them to Prepare Food for Family Get-togethers
During family get-togethers and other celebration moments, welcome your child to cook food or try new recipes together to serve guests.
Many kids’ shows highlight the preparation of different traditional foods. Letting them watch these shows will inspire them to prepare and try out special foods. You will witness a notable change in your child’s eating habits, eliminating the need to force them to have a meal.
4. Make Eating a Fun-Filled Experience
When toddlers feel playful, their chances of trying new foods skyrocket. Behave friendly with them and encourage them to try cutting fruits and vegetables into fun shapes.
Shop colourful plates to serve the meal to them. Remember to incorporate a little bit of creativity, as it can help you improve your toddler’s eating experience.
Another most effective way to keep their eating experience fun-filled is to take them to picnic places. That’s where they can play and try food simultaneously. Before going, buy toddler snacks, chocolate muffins, and other types of food products from the market to have them enjoy.
5. Refrain from Pressure
It may be tempting to bribe, insist, and set conditions on your toddlers to have meals you offer. However, recent studies highlight that pressuring your kids to eat food often results in counterproductivity. So, it’s wise to stay calm, polite, and friendly with them. Offer them a diverse variety of foods on a regular basis.
Be kind and represent yourself as a model having healthy eating habits. Company your toddler while eating something. You will see that your patience, kindness, and cooperative behaviour will pay off significantly.
