Pick Apart Picky Eaters: Quick Tips From Author Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan! by Donna John

Yuck! Gross! No way! If you’ve got a picky eater, it’s a good bet that you’ve heard at least one of those statements at mealtime. Some kids are just resistant to trying a variety of foods. Luckily, we have Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan (@OneSweetWriter), author of My Food Notebook, on hand to help! 

Q: How do you help your picky eater try new foods?

• Try offering small bites on sticks.
• Invite your picky eater to help you cook.
• Go on a shopping trip with your picky eater.
• Let them draw/write about their foods.

Q: How do you get kids to eat foods they want to avoid?

• Kids eat with all five senses. Does it look good? Sound gross?
  
• Try prepping food in a new way. Cubed veggies often look better than mashed.
• Keep track of food successes.

Q: How do you avoid dinnertime battles?

• Serve food family style.
• Don’t use dessert as a reward or punishment.
  
• Remind them of times they’ve tried it and liked it.

Q: How do you encourage your picky eater to be open to trying new foods?

• Often kids can’t remember foods they’ve tried. Help kids keep a list of what they have tried and liked.
• Don’t force kids to eat when they aren’t hungry.

Q: How many times should food be offered to a picky eater?

• Parents often give up after two to three “yucks.” It may take up to 20 tries before a child decides they like a certain food.
• Kids need to see and smell before they taste.
• Make it familiar and offer choices of new foods.

Q: What can parents do to encourage kids to try new foods?

• Modeling is a big part of parenting.
• It can be fun to go on a food adventure with your child.
• Record what worked and didn’t and try it again!

Make sure to follow @OneSweetWriter, like her Facebook page and visit her website!