10 Tips To Handle Picky Eaters

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Handling picky eaters can be quite a challenge, especially when these picky eaters are kids! By the time your child starts going to school, she begins to get over the fear of trying out new foods and the need to constantly prove her independence as a child becomes more essential. Still, as an occasional food lover, when your child insists on eating the same food for every meal while turning up his nose at anything new is no cause for alarm.

At early stages, your child appreciates the familiar, whether it is a regular bedtime routine or his favorite peanut butter sandwich. And while your child probably is still not saying “No,” he still appreciates having some control over his life, including what food he eats. Your little one probably doesn’t like having much attention paid to her eating habits, so keep your approach low-key. Whatever you do, don’t pressurize or bribe your child to eat because you will only run into more resistance towards the food from her side.

Tips to handle picky eaters

However, you can definitely take help of these 10 ways and make your picky eater eat healthy and properly regularly-

1. Provide a variety of good foods for your child to eat for each meal

When you prepare a new dish, simply place it on the dinner table with everything else and do not make a big deal about it. Don’t put it right on your child’s plate; let her choose it for herself. She might dig right in or she may warm up for it eventually, after seeing you eat it a few times.

2. Don’t give too many options during meal time

Because then she will choose something familiar. Rather just say, “Here is the dinner,” then she will have to choose among the food you are offering. And most importantly always offer a meal that includes at least one thing you know your little one would love.

3. Offer food in small quantities first

While presenting the new variety of food, don’t offer them in large portions, try to give her just a taste and let her ask for more. This way she won’t feel engulfed.

4. Surprises with lunch for school

When you are sending lunch to school, give your child some choices about what goes in it. Try to include a fun surprise now and then. An exciting lunch is more likely to be eaten.

5. Let your child be a part of the food-decision making process

Whenever possible, involve your child in food decisions and preparation, including grocery shopping. This works best if you let your child choose from a small selection of food that you’ve already picked out. Make fun, healthy treats together, like yogurt and fruit or banana splits or even smoothies.

6. Nutrition value additions to your child's favorite meals

Look for ways to boost the nutritional value of the foods your child enjoys. Put some fish or chicken in her grilled cheese, or veggies in his spaghetti sauce.

7. Make eating food an achievement too!

Put a food chart on the refrigerator and have her colour in the order of the requirements as she meets them each day, and casually mention that her oatmeal will help her run and jump better at school.

8. Food that makes her fuss much should be kept far for a while

If your little one complains that a particular food will make her sick, stop serving that food for a while. You can always try again when she is little older. This way your child will learn that you are not forceful on her with eating.

9. Newness is goodness

And try to present new food when he is hungry-– like slices of mangoes when she has the afternoon munchies.

10. Think beyond mainstream

Be open to foods that are not traditional breakfast foods-– like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a glass of milk or an egg taco. So it’s worth putting some effort into finding healthy foods, which she will be consuming before heading out the door in the morning.

Always remember that children are less picky eaters when they are away from home. So as your child’s world expands, her palate may broaden as well.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.