Are you wondering how to get your child to eat? You are not alone. Nearly half of all children go through a picky eater phase during their early years.
When your child refuses to eat, it can be a frustrating experience. Mealtimes become a struggle, and like any good parent, you likely start to wonder if your child is getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy and strong.
Fortunately, dealing with a picky eater doesn’t have to be stressful or frustrating. By using a few tips and tricks, you can get through this phase as painlessly as possible.
If your child is in their picky eating phase and you are not sure how to handle it, this short and simple guide is for you.
Don’t Force the Issue
If your child is not eating, make sure to avoid forcing the issue. While it can be tempting to try to make your child eat, doing so will just create a bigger problem. Relinquish control and allow your child to eat when they decide they are hungry.
Make Eating a Family Routine
One way to encourage a picky eater to eat is to make family meals a routine. Doing this will set a good example for your child and combine fun, social interactions with eating. You can make family meals fun by using kids plates for your child during meal times.
Encourage Independence
A helpful tip for how to get your kid to eat is to encourage independence. Depending on the age of your child, this can involve letting them feed themselves or choose what they want from a selection of foods. By having some control, your child will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, which will encourage eating.
Use Positive Language
If your child is refusing to eat, try using positive language around food. Remind your child they are not used to foods, rather than reinforcing they “don’t like” a certain food. By changing your language, you can change your child’s perception about the foods you want them to eat.
Involve Kids in Meal Planning
A great tip for how to make eating fun is to involve your kids in meal planning. This allows your child to be invested in the process and be excited about every mealtime. You can supercharge this effort by letting them help you pick out groceries when you are shopping.
This Is What to Do When Your Child Refuses to Eat
If you are not sure what to do when your child refuses to eat, this guide is for you.
Start by understanding that picky eating is a phase and you should not force the issue. You should also make eating a family routine, encourage independence, and use positive language around eating. Make sure to involve your kids in meal planning and contact your doctor if the problem persists.
Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to handling your picky eater.
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