5 Solutions for Overcoming the Picky Eater Blues
Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) July 17, 2014 -- As parents, we all want our children to have healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. However, as many can relate, what we want and what we settle for are often two very different things. According to a study from Contemporary Pediatrics, nearly two thirds of parents described at least one problem with their child’s eating habits.
Could there be a solution to picky-eater blues? With these 5 simple solutions, your picky eater will be interested in her food in no time.
1. Make food fun. Get creative and make a design or animal out of your child’s meal. Try using cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of fruit or sandwiches. Come up with fun names for food, like calling broccoli trees. Another idea is to arrange your child’s food to create a design on her plate.
2. Create child friendly kabobs. This is a fun way to incorporate different kinds of foods on a stick and it is appealing to the eye and the tummy. Try using different kinds of fruit, vegetables, cheese, or meat to create a rainbow of items your child can eat.
3. Get your child involved in the creation or cooking of her meals. If your child is creating her own food, it may help her to become more prone to eat her creation. The proud moment is when her masterpiece is done; just make sure it is edible. Parents, you should try their creation, too.
4. Talk to your child about the importance of a healthy diet. Feed her food she enjoys and create a balance between the things she should be eating and those that she should be eating in moderation, such as sweets.
5. Most importantly, be creative. Try hiding pureed veggies in soups, sauces, pastas, and smoothies. This is a great way for your children to get a serving of vegetables without even knowing it. Allow your child to be “produce pickers” at the grocery store by having your child be part of the picking and buying process of their OWN veggies and fruits. There are a number of ways that can help your picky eater become better about her eating habits. Keep trying.
It is important not to be negative about your picky eater’s habits, but instead give praise when they finish their meals or try something new. Make sure your children understand the importance of healthy eating and that sweets should be eaten in moderation, or as reward for finishing their meals. This encouragement and praise will help your child understand why healthy eating is important for their everyday growth. Remember that your child’s tastes are constantly changing and developing, so don’t stop trying to get your picky eater to try new things, they may surprise you.
About The Little Gym
The Little Gym is an internationally recognized program that helps children build the developmental skills and confidence needed at each stage of childhood. The very first location was established in 1976 by Robin Wes, an innovative educator with a genuine love for children. The Little Gym International, Inc., headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., was formed in 1992 to franchise The Little Gym concept. Today, The Little Gym International has more than 300 locations in 29 countries. For more information, visit The Little Gym at http://www.TheLittleGym.com.
Heather Anderson, The Little Gym, http://www.thelittlegym.com, +1 (480) 948-2878, [email protected]
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