From finicky to trouble-free eater

CEBU, Philippines - Due to the everyday hustle and bustle, parents find it tiring to argue with their kids during mealtime to eat the veggies on their plate. It would be much easier if they just dole out hotdogs or spam or just order from a fast food. But this way of getting out from tension compromises the health of children and might pose more serious problems in the near future.

Here are some tips on how to let your picky eater eat the carrots on his plate:

Involve your child.

Children would be happy if they become a part on the planning of the menu, going to the market, or during the cooking itself. Their involvement will lessen your mealtime battles and in the same way, the kids will learn basic works in the kitchen.

Make it fun. Children love to have fun.

You can incorporate it during mealtime. Kids think that immersing food dip, like peanut butter, is pure fun. You turn apples into swan, tomatoes into flowers, and orange peeling into basket. Kids love to see bright colors because it widens their interest.

Experiment.

Upgrade your usual menu into something your kids have not tried yet. Try putting nutritious, familiar favorites on top of new and less-desirable food to tempt your child in consuming their food.

Don't bribe, just be patient.

Because we want our child to eat healthy, we tend to force our children to eat the cabbage and squash to the extent that we bribe sweets to them. Introduce new food one at a time and in small amounts. Serve new food along with your child's favorite for them to accept it easily. And don't use ice creams and chocolates as bribe or reward. This might only increase your child's desire for sweets.

Minimize distractions.

Keep away toys and gadgets during mealtime. When your child is hooked with a TV show he barely notices his food. Eating as a family is a great time to catch up.

Be a role model.

You cannot impose something to your child when you yourself cannot do it. You cannot let your child eat ampalaya or okra if you don't touch it, too. You can invite your child's friends or cousins whom you know likes to eat a variety of foods. In this way, your child will be encouraged to eat what others eat.

Again, be patient and be creative.

Your child's eating habits do not change overnight. The small steps you take every day can help promote a lifetime of healthy eating in your child. Help him in developing her culinary adventure. Allow your creative mind to work on how to turn your child's unlikable to become his new likable.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childrens-health/HQ01107