For student parents, making healthier food choices can sometimes be only half the battle, for perhaps an ever greater obstacle to overcome is getting your child to actually try newer, healthier foods. We all know that children can be some of the most reluctant “food explorers”. Nearly two thirds of parents describe at least one problem with their child’s eating habits (according to a study in Contemporary Pediatrics). And while such pickiness does not immediately result in drastic nutritional problems, modifying these habits as early as possible will give your child a more well-rounded diet, while relieving some stress on parents as well. The following are just a few strategies suggested to combat picky eating.
- Don’t push you children too hard. Forcing may just lead to an even greater aversion to the food at hand. Simply suggest they try the food first, even if it be just one bite.
- Praise, Praise, Praise! Positive reinforcement is always a good strategy, again, even if your child takes just one bite.
- Set an example. Don’t give them another reason to not want to try the food! That being said, make healthy choices that the whole family may enjoy.
- Give non-food alternatives. Sometimes pickiness doesn’t even have to be about the food. Does your child have a favorite plate? A certain way he/she wants their food cut? Humor these little idiosyncrasies. It may be extra work, but if the difference between getting your child to try a healthier food is something as simple as the color of the dish, then it may just be worth it.
Picky eaters can be a drain on parents in various ways, so combating such problems are imperative for establishing good eating habits. Of course, pickiness may just fade with time. With this in mind, as stated before, remember not to overwhelm yourself with getting your child to try certain foods. Perhaps the best strategy is to always give (healthy) alternatives and variety. Give your children the chance to make their own decisions and discoveries. As long as it’s relatively healthy, you can’t go wrong!
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Healthy Eatings!
-Anth249 H
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