If they’re grossed out by a certain texture, they may be less likely to eat that food. Maybe they don’t like spaghetti but they love bowtie pasta – same thing, different shape.
Kids often prefer raw foods to cooked ones, especially because in the case of raw vegetables, for example, kids can dip them into dressings or dips. Creativity is key, so keep introducing new foods and involve your kids in picking them out or in cooking. Kids are much more likely to eat something that they’ve prepared themselves. Try different arrangements: if your carrots and broccoli are arranged in a smiley face, you may have worked wonders already.
Don’t bribe your kids with food they do like and definitely don’t pretend you like a food that you don’t. These are some of the worst things you can do when it comes to reforming a picky kid.
Children will be much more likely to eat foods that they see you enjoying and much less likely to eat foods that they have reinforced in their mind as “bad” foods.
What it all comes down to is this: don’t stress. Picky children get just as much nutrient intake as kids who are “good” eaters, so make sure they’re getting in some healthy foods and they’ll be golden.
Sources:
- https://www.parents.com/kids/nutrition/healthy-eating/get-your-kids-to-eat-better/