Getting Your Kid To Eat

I think every parent has googled how to get your kids to eat at one time or another. Most children will go through a picky phase. It’s us parents that stress over it more than we probably should.

One of my toddlers loves bananas on Wednesday and hates it on Friday. My favorite phrase with my children are “I’m full”, when in fact they’re hoping that those few bites of their dinner will allow them to have a treat.

I don’t know it all when it comes to feeding kids and I have even a child with eating problems due to sensory issues, but what I have learned is that you can get your child to eat more with a few steps. Notice I didn’t say easy steps because it isn’t always easy.

Setting Boundaries

Setting boundaries on where your kids can eat is a good start.I know this sounds silly, but if I was to hand my kids a snack while watching tv or playing. Chances are they would only eat a few bites and I know this because I use to do it. I would think well they’ll eat because there watching a favorite show. That was not so in my case.

It is always best to eat your meals at the table. I’m not saying that you can’t eat on the floor sometimes or outside for a picnic, but when your in the house, the table is best. We do have days that we eat in the living room in front of the tv, but I try to pass this off as a special occasion.

Let Them Help You

I know it makes the prep work in the kitchen longer, but it really does help them. They are so excited about eating something that they prepared on their own with little or no help from me. Helping me with any task in the kitchen thrills my kids, especially my toddlers.

No Distractions

Another thing I have learned over the years is that distractions are horrible for eating. Especially, tv or some type of electronic game. My girls can be sneaky about bringing the iPad to the table if I don’t watch. Sometimes I will sit and read to them while they eat. Some days it calms them and other days their wiggles get the best of them. This tip doesn’t always work. Some weeks this works really well and other weeks not so much.

Family Time

Eating meals together has shown its benefits time and time again. You can do your own research on it, but I have read many articles about it. I know there is a lot of controversy over this subject, but in my opinion eating and fellowshipping go hand in hand. You get to learn more about each other, what they loved most about the day. As a homeschool mom, I know what they did all day, but there are other ways to get your kids involved in the conversation at dinner.

• What was their favorite part of the day?
• How did they show kindness?
• Did anything make them sad or upset them that day?

These are just a few of the things we ask that our girls will chat away about. They like to be asked about their day. Now when they get older it may change, but most children love the attention and each child is getting their own turn.

Don’t Put Too Much On Their Plate

When I was little we were expected to eat every bite on our plate whether we liked it or not. I have never felt that way because we all have foods that we do not care for and no one makes us eat them. However, I do want my kids to eat and try new things. I often give them small portions and ask them to eat at least try a couple of bites of the food they do not care for. I have been told by our daughter’s feeding therapist that it takes 18 times for you to honestly decide if you like it or not. If they clear their plate and have tried a bite of the disliked food, they are welcome to eat more.

Let Them Have Dips

This is another one of those things that so many say no to. If my child will eat her carrots because it’s covered in ranch then that is fine with me. Or if she eats Ketchup on her hash browns, that’s great. At least she is eating them. This is letting them make choices and giving them a little control over their food.

Make Mealtime Fun

Eating the same food over and over can get boring, especially for a child. One way I change it up is by using all my leftovers and having a finger food meal. You can cut up a bunch of veggies and cheese and put them in a muffin tin. I’ve used shredded chicken, chopped ham, and more. The options are really endless on what you can use. Some of my girls favorite are olives, carrots, and chopped ham with some ranch on the side. Also letting them drink out of a big girl cup makes them so happy. Small changes like this make a world of difference for some.

Having Patience

Toddlers can be super picky at times and it can be frustrating. This is when I really do my best to encourage them about eating. I cut their sandwiches up differently or make artwork with their fruit. I also serve a very small portion so they aren’t overwhelmed. I don’t do anything fancy. You can get a sandwich cutter with shapes or characters off amazon for a little more than $5.

This Isn’t For Everyone

I know this isn’t for everyone and these tips may not even help your child. There are also many children with sensory and other problems that this wouldn’t work for. One of my daughters has a sensory disorder and some days this works for her and some days it doesn’t. Each family is different and you have to do what is best for yours.