Happy Eaters: Expanding Junior Palates

Developing healthy and adventurous eating habits early in life can greatly benefit children's health and well-being. But as many parents know, getting children to try new foods can be challenging. Here are some strategies for expanding your child's food repertoire and encouraging them to be happy eaters.

Sharing Plates

Sharing plates, or family-style meals, offers a variety of foods and allows children to self-serve. This method encourages children to try a bit of everything, thus fostering an adventurous palate. You reinforce the idea of balanced eating by presenting a range of dishes at each meal.

No Kids Menus

While 'kid's menus' might seem appealing with their comfort-food options, they often limit children to a small range of tastes and textures. Instead, encourage your child to explore the 'adult' menu when dining out. This introduces them to new cuisines and flavours they wouldn't otherwise encounter. This doesn't mean they should jump straight into spicy or complex dishes. Order a couple of regular mains and let your children try what you’re eating. Chances are if your child sees you enjoying a meal, they will want to join in on the delicious treats too!

Eat Meals Together

Children learn by observation, so sharing meal times can profoundly influence their eating habits. Your child is more likely to follow suit when you show enthusiasm for diverse foods. Furthermore, shared meal times provide opportunities for conversation, learning, and bonding, which can make trying new foods a more enjoyable experience for your child. Make the most out of mealtimes and truly enjoy this quality time with your child.

Try Everything Once

You can’t know whether you don’t like something before you’ve tried it. Introduce a "no thank you" bite rule, where everyone has to try a small bite of a new food before deciding they don't like it. Children need to be exposed to a meal several times before they begin to enjoy it. This approach encourages open-mindedness and flexibility in their eating habits, cultivating a willingness to try everything at least once.

Creating a supportive and pressure-free environment is crucial to ensure this rule is effective. Praise your child for trying the new food, but don't force them to eat more if they genuinely dislike it. The aim is to foster a sense of adventure and curiosity about food, not to create a power struggle.

No More Picky Eaters

In conclusion, expanding your child's food repertoire involves patience, creativity, and consistency. By incorporating sharing plates, ditching the kid's menu, eating meals together, and adopting a "try everything once" mentality, you can cultivate a joyous and adventurous eating culture for your child. Remember, the goal isn't just about getting them to eat what's on their plate but fostering a lifelong positive relationship with food.