Holistic Health Mama

Kids can be picky, and that can get frustrating, especially as caring parents only wanting what’s best for their little growing bodies. However, picky eating is a normal phase of development in kids, and it can ebb and flow! I love offering the snacks in the video above, but have also used the bottom tips to actual get my kids to eat those foods too.

1. Lead by example

If you want your kiddos to eat healthy foods but they see that you have an aversion to them they will think that they are not foods you like to eat so they probably won’t like them either. Sitting down to eat the snacks together will allow them to see you enjoying these foods and they may be more likely to partake in tasting them.

2. Get them involved in preparation and purchasing of snacks or foods

Kids are more likely to get excited in what’s on their plate if they had a role in getting it there. Don’t get me wrong, I have experienced them telling me they want something then as soon as it touches their plate they don’t want it anymore. But if you let them help make the food, they can have pride in what lands on it, and may be more likely to eat it. Repetition is also super important with this.

3. Offer a variety/Give them a choice

Just like us, sometimes kids are just in a mood for a certain snack or don’t feel like eating a certain type of snack-they are human beings too. Honor those signals and offer choices before preparing the snack.

4. Get creative with presentation

Make plates colorful, you can make shapes with fruits or veggies, and can even make fun faces on their plate too. Try the same food with different textures or cuts, they may like the texture of one preparation over the other when it comes to fruits and veggies.

5. Be patient and consistent

Repetition just like anything is key. Even if they don’t eat all of what is on their plate or in their healthy snack, it is a chance to build their familiarity and flexibility with certain foods. Pairing something unknown with a “safe” or “familiar” food is also a great way to squeeze in those foods and increases the chances they will try them.

6. Stay positive and Get excited!

Just like with play, kids get excited when you get excited. You can make a game out of the snack by asking your toddler to tell you other things that are the same color. Or if they have a character in a book or TV show they love you can somehow connect the food to that too.

Do you have any other tips for picky eaters? Let me know in the comments-having three kids 4 and under I can use all the tips you got!