This is a fact that all parents must live with. Come to think of it, this is a problem that just about anyone who takes care of kids had to face.
Picky kids can be a huge headache for parents. A typical dinner table scene would have one or two kids slumped over the table, frowning on the plate of vegetables served. If not vegetables, then they would insist on eating only one kind of food. Even the color of the food might be a reason for being picky.
Getting picky kids to eat what is served to them takes a lot of effort, as well as superhuman patience. It is tough getting the children’s attention. It’s even tougher making them eat. So, how does one go about it?
The ways are surprisingly simple:
Patience, patience, patience. These are the immortal words that you should take to heart. Snapping at your child who refuses to eat will only create bigger problems. Get ready to inhale and exhale a couple of times, and then go back to gently teaching your child.
Be consistent. By setting up a regular eating schedule, you can help train you children to get used to the food served on the table. They will be hungry by the time food is served, but they will not be starved enough to look for snacks.
Act like the role model. You need to practice what you teach. If you tell your children to finish their food, then you should also do your part and finish your own food. It will set as a good example for your kids, and at the same time, this will encourage them to eat their food, too.
Get them involved. One sure thing to pique the interests of kids is by letting them decide on what to cook. Ask them what vegetable or fruit they want to eat for dinner would be a good step in getting them to eat. If they are old enough, then they could help you in chopping the ingredients.
Creativity means a lot. Getting your child to eat involves a lot of creative work. Maybe it is with the color of the dish, the flavor, or the simple designs. All these, when done right, will actually encourage your child to eat what is served in front of him.