To help alleviate some of the frustration, and to give us some great ideas on ways to get kids to try new things, Candace Peterson from KSL nanny radio, shares her insights.
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Make it Easy, Fun and Colorful
Easy: Don’t get too elaborate and complicated or else you may not follow through.
Fun: Let your child at least think you are having fun. Let your child see you get excited about eating a meal while you prepare it. Maybe let them help you prepare it. Have fun props like silly straws, birthday candles, and little party favors. Make faces in the food using veggies – get creative.
Colorful: Food Coloring can give life to a boring meatloaf or lasagna.
Don’t Ask, Tell. One big problem parents run into is asking what their child wants to eat. That’s okay to do for a snack or a treat but a meal is up to you. Prepare the meal, use some of the above fun guidelines and serve. I can’t tell you how many times I asked my child and then bit my tongue because I knew the answer already. If only Top Ramen Noodles was chocked full of vitamins and minerals.
Not all Hotdogs are Created Equal. If your child is like mine he or she will eat only a few things. I say fine…give them what they want. If you child only eats hotdogs – buy the organic ones, sure they cost more but if that is all your child eats make sure it is going to be good for them.
If/Then and Power Struggles. I say stay away from the dreaded power struggles around food – you are going to lose. Try instead the if/then approach. “If you eat two more bites of meat loaf you can _______”(fill in the blank – have dessert, go play video games, play outside, etc.) The key is to give them a choice and make sure you are okay with their decision. Even if they decide not to eat the two more bites of meatloaf – they can’t play video games or have dessert.
Let ‘Em Eat Cake! Don’t be so rigid about dessert and candy. Have some of this available sometimes. I think Cookie Monster from Sesame Street even calls this a “Sometimes Food”. For finicky veggie eaters buy ranch dressing by the gallon, melt cheese, and try honey.
Have Treats. There are so many tasty treats now that are actually good for you. Fruit Rolls – many are organic, organic crackers and chips, vitamin drinks, fruit and veggie drinks that are yummy.
Don’t Give Up, use Variety, Creativity, and maintain a Positive Attitude.
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Candace and her co-host Lilly Landikusic host a call in talk radio program called Nanny Radio on 1160 AM or 102.7 FM on KSL radio from noon to 2 on Saturdays. Candace has a degree in counseling and has worked with “at-risk” families teaching them parenting skills.
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