I'm posting this now, because it will help you later. 😅 I saw something once, about picky eaters... It looked like this - where they had mentioned picky eaters are really just LEARNING what it is they like & don't like! I really like to see it worded like that, because I think it gives us parents that perspective and willingness to have a bit more patience with our picky eater. I mean heck.. we don't like everything we try either right!?
Three Tips For Picky Eaters!
1. Food Chaining!
If you know your toddler likes cucumbers, try offering a zucchini! Using their favorites to your advantage, offer them something super similar. They might not notice the difference, but if they do, it's a good opportunity to talk about it!
2. Swap Veggies For Fruit!
I love, love, love, am totally obsessed with, veggie exposure. Even if I know the kiddos will not be interested, I love offering veggies! Even the slight chance they nibble and spit it out is fine with me! Because every time they see it on their plate, they become more and more open minded to the thought of accepting it. But if they aren't eating it... What about the nutrients they're missing out on? No biggie. Did you know you can get most of the same nutrients from a good variety of fruits in your diet? I always plate the veggies, and offer fruit for dessert so they're still getting those nutrients.
3. "You don't have to eat anything you don't like."
Hear me out but.... I'm guilty as heck of forcing my kids to eat what's on their plate. For a long time it was almost insulting that I cooked and nobody ate. But what if.... It's not about you. 😬 Ironically, telling kiddos that it's ok not to eat what they don't like is my number one strategy for getting them to eat it!! I follow up with "Let's count the carrots!" or "Can you move the broccoli to a different spot on the plate?" Did you know encouraging subtle play with food encourages your child to be more open minded to eating it!? Try it. It won't work ALL of the time, but it has definitely been a game changer (and less stress on the hyper focused mom brain)!
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