Handling picky eating requires patience and persistence. Here are some tips:
- Exposure: Repeated exposure to new foods can increase acceptance. It may take multiple tries before a child is willing to eat a new food. - Variety: Offer a variety of foods and avoid becoming a short-order cook. Serve the same meal to the whole family with at least one item the child likes. - Positive Reinforcement: Praise children for trying new foods, even if they don't like them. Avoid using food as a reward or punishment. - Small Portions: Serve small portions of new foods alongside familiar ones. This reduces the pressure to eat a large amount and makes it less overwhelming.
