It seems that you guys just can’t get enough ideas about getting your toddler or preschooler to eat good food. There must be a lot of picky kids out there (okay, which kids aren’t right?). I am more than happy to oblige with another batch of tips about getting a toddler to eat. Hopefully, some of these ideas will work for you.
Magic Animals
Creatively transform your food into funny animals or different characters. I find that this tends to me my last resort when a stubborn child won’t eat a certain food no matter how many times I offer it. Turn celery into ants on a log, or an apple, grapes and some peanut butter into a frog face. Use shredded carrots as hair or fur, olives as eyes, broccoli as hair,, etc. Red, green or yellow peppers can be turned into practically any shape by cutting with a knife. Even bits of ham or other meat can be cut into noses and other facial features.
The Professorial Approach
Sometimes just explaining a little bit about good food can make it interesting enough to try. For example, my eldest son went through an aversion to milk phase until I told him how it helps make your bones grow. My youngest likes to hear about the carrots are giving him extra eye power (like a super hero). You can also “send in the food” to fight off the bad guys, such as with chicken soup going against germs.
Monster Mush
Sometimes nutritious foods are aesthetically pleasing in appearance. This can turn a kid right off if something looks “funny.” I use this to my advantage instead by telling the kids that I am serving monster mush or swap rat stew. Shrek has been a big inspiration for me when it comes to serving anything “stewish.” Homemade oatmeal often becomes Snow White’s Porridge.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
Related Articles:
Even More Ways to Get a Toddler to Eat
Foods to Build Your Child’s Immunity
Early Solid Food Causes Allergies? Maybe, Maybe Not
Loving Less Expensive (and Junky) Food