My kids are picky about food. They each have their favorites, and if I ask what they want I know what they’re going to say. My oldest will immediately insists on chicken nuggets and 
French fries, my middle-child shouts “PIZZA!” and even though my youngest has an extremely limited vocabulary, he sure has figured out how to say the word doughnut. Sound familiar?
I don’t serve these convenience meals everyday (Can a doughnut be considered a meal?). Actually, it’s the contrary that makes them so popular. While there’s no doubt in my mind they genuinely enjoy these kid staples, a big part of the problem is a mess of my own making.
In the interest of trying to show my boys these aren’t the healthiest foods and should be served only occasionally, I made them sound like an extra-special treat. My heart was in the right place at the time, but in retrospect, my exaggerated enthusiasm turned my sweet babies into junk-hungry pizza fiends.
I’m trying to turn this trend around by exposing my children to a variety of foods that are healthy and tasty, with a focus on making them feel the new grub is an awesome culinary experience. I don’t think of it as trickery, but as creative suggestion. What’s a mom to do?
Some techniques which have inspired some serious munching are:
Talking it up. Hey, it worked for the chicken nuggets, why not stuffed peppers? If I think the main-course might be poo-pooed before the first bite, I happily mention it throughout the day. “After we get back from the park, I’m going to start making dinner. I’m stuffing peppers from grandma’s garden.”
Loved-one association. If you’re serving something that a friend or family member particularly enjoys, use it as leverage. If they value Uncle Joe, they’ll appreciate his seal of approval. “MMM…tuna noodle casserole. You know, this is Uncle Joe’s favorite dinner. He used to ask grandma for it all the time when we were little like you.”
Mini chefs. Kids LOVE to help in the kitchen. This is what I call an advantageous situation. If you let them help prepare the meal (at their appropriate ability level), they’ll have pride in their work and want to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Weirdy cuisine. Artistic, colorful presentation sways little eyes and stomachs. This is a desperate act, but it’s worked for me. Nothing challenges a mom’s power of persuasion like selling a meatloaf dinner to a group of fry lovers. I made a meat cake. Quite literally. I made two meatloaves, one for the hubz and me and one for the kids. This is why. The meal was simple: meatloaf, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. I sliced “their” meatloaf in half (horizontally) and “frosted” the middle and top with mashed potatoes. Then I added mixed veggie sprinkles. They ate it without hesitation. I know my boys.
I’d like to say I feel ashamed of my shenanigans, but I’m not. I want the best for my kids and creative meal recipes are sometimes necessary to make that happen.
How do you encourage your kids to try new foods?
Image Source: flickr.com/photos/sfllaw/277415956
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