When I was a kid you didn't leave the table until all your food was eaten off your plate. I can remember sitting at the table the rest of the evening until I went to bed. In the morning, I was served the same plate with last nights supper on it for breakfast. It turns out my mom was more stubborn than I was. I ate it with copious amounts of water.
Now that I'm a mom I feel the need not to waste food while at the same time not forcing food on my kids. I'm lucky that my sons aren't too picky about their food. My 3-year old eats everything in site while my 4-year old is a little more choosy. However, I have found some helpful tips to help parents with picky eaters.
I have the boys help make the food. That is really the best strategy because they always want to eat what they have made. Also, giving the food a fun name helps them to think of it differently. We made apple tires for snack time. I cored and sliced an apple. The boys spread peanut butter on it, and added raisins to it.
I also try to let the boys fill their own plates. I tend to overfill the plates, and they know what they like.
I use a wide range of foods for them to try. The odds are in my favor for them to like something I serve.
Remember that your picky eaters aren't going to starve. When they are hungry they will eat. If they aren't hungry try again at the next meal. I give them a vitamin everyday to make sure they are getting what their body needs.
Happy Eating!
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