Simple ways to encourage children to try new food!
You know the drill. You just spent hours in the kitchen preparing a delicious, nutritious meal for your family, only to be met with an army of scrunched noses and crossed arms from your children.
From picky eaters to those who simply don’t enjoy trying new things, getting kids to try new foods can be a challenge for many parents. Fear not!
Here are some Simple ways to encourage children to try new food!
Make Mealtime Fun
Making mealtime fun and creative is a great way to encourage children to try different foods. This could mean letting them create their own plate of food, incorporating unique shapes and colors into their meals (think smiley-face pancakes), or asking them to help you cook. Getting them involved in the process helps make the food more exciting and appealing while also teaching them where food comes from and how it’s prepared.
Let Them Get Creative
Encourage your child's creativity by allowing them to come up with their own recipes or help you create one-of-a-kind dishes together. This can involve combining several ingredients together or adding unexpected toppings or seasonings that might sound strange but taste delicious – like sprinkling cinnamon on sweet potatoes! You could even let them pick out certain items or build their own “bento box” lunch every day!
Make It a Game
Turn trying new foods into a game or competition. Offer rewards for each new food they try, like stickers or extra play time outside. You can also set up a point system for each food item they sample, with points being redeemable at the end of each week for something special—like an extra hour of television or an outing with friends! Even if they don’t love what they try, recognizing small successes through rewards will help keep them motivated as they continue exploring different flavors and textures.
With these simple tips, you can make trying new foods fun and exciting for your children! By involving them in the cooking process, allowing them creative freedom when it comes to creating unique dishes, and rewarding their efforts along the way—your kids will soon be happily enjoying all sorts of new flavors.
Bon Appétit!
