Are you tired of convincing your toddler to try new foods? Are you showing tantrums? Are they ditching nutritious food and you don’t know why? Yes, this can feel like a big task! But, the good news is – with patience and creative strategies, now you can turn troublesome mealtimes into a fun and positive experience!
We are Hope AMC, UAE’s best pediatric rehabilitation center. Our therapists have been guiding parents to deal with their little and stubborn picky eaters effectively. We design a custom meal plan that fills picky eaters with the nutrition and health they need for growth and development.
Our therapists are here, sharing some tips and strategies to encourage your little one to explore new flavors and build healthier eating habits.
Why Do Toddlers Build Picky Eating Habits?
“Why does my little toddler not love those broccolis that I have made with so much time and patience?” We have heard mothers coming to our clinic and have this type of statement. See, for kids, growing up, it’s common to hesitate to try new foods.
Around the age of two, many children are already cautious about unfamiliar foods and they may also show a strong preference for sweet or familiar flavors that are comforting to them. One thing parents also understand is that refusing food can sometimes be a way of expressing their independence. Or, something the child may have sensory issues, neurological conditions, swallowing or feeding disorders that parents are not aware of. So, it’s a wise step to not get angry, but consult a therapist to detect the underlying reasons behind their picky eating habits.
Here are some Simple Tips That parents can try out at home to encourage toddlers to try new foods
Make It All Fun
Transform mealtimes into an adventure! How, right? Simply arrange food into fun shapes or colorful patterns. This simple yet powerful tactic can capture your toddler’s curiosity. Suppose, you want your kid to try sandwiches, so make them into star shape. If you are on the go of introducing new fruits, then make fruit kebabs, or even use plates and utensils featuring their favorite characters. Kids love food excitement, and curiosity – use it and make each mealtime exciting for them.
Do Not Feed Them Too Much
When you want to introduce new foods, do not offer a lot. Offer a tiny portion of the new food alongside their favorite dishes. This makes the unfamiliar item less intimidating. If they take a single bite or even touch the food, show encouragement and excitement. It’s important to celebrate small victories because small steps can lead to big changes over time.
Be Someone Who Your Child Would Look Up To
It’s common for toddlers to mimic adults, so let them see what you eat and prefer. Talk about how delicious it is and how beneficial it is for your health. Tell them you love it, whether it’s the flavor, texture or smell. Your child may find encouragement to follow you and the foods that you try.
Let Them Know How The Meal Is Cooked
Involve your toddler in meal preparation. If you go to the supermarket, take them with you. When it comes to making meals, engage your kids in simple tasks like washing vegetables, stirring batter or sprinkling cheese. Make them aware that they participated in the meal preparation, which is great. When they know that they helped create the meal, they’re more likely to want to taste it.
Have Patience
Don’t pressurize or force your child to eat. It will traumatize them even more. Instead, focus on their efforts and praise their curiosity. Create a calm and supportive environment at the table to make mealtime enjoyable and relaxing.
It’s perfectly normal for toddlers to need multiple exposures to a new food before they finally accept it. So, have patience and stay calm. It will happen – it’s a process, not an overnight change.
What If They Still Say No?
That’s okay! Every child is unique and may need more time. Simply respect their pace and apply the above strategies to add nutrients to their diet. Keep offering the food periodically. What they refuse today might become their favorite tomorrow.
But, it’s important you talk to a pediatrician who might suggest a feeding therapist for a custom diet for your picky eater.
Our therapists are here to help! We will detect the root cause and then devise a diet plan, tailored for your kid. Book an appointment now!
Do you Have any fun tricks or tips that worked for your little picky eater? Share them below and help other parents on this journey!
