We understand that introducing new foods to kids can be particularly stressful. Make sure new foods are offered in small amounts and that you include 'safe’ foods as part of the meal (safe foods are familiar to your child, and you know they will be eaten). Remove any pressure, and don't bribe your child to eat the new food. Let your child know they are welcome to try the food but don't have to eat it.
Involve your child where possible in meal planning and preparation. Ask them what they do and don't like, what flavours they enjoy and what could be changed to make the meal more enjoyable. Giving kids more control has a positive impact on their eating behaviours.
It is also important to provide structure around mealtimes. This is achieved by:
- Positive role modelling: Kids learn more from our actions than our words. Let your child see you eating and enjoying eco-friendly foods.
- Structured meal timings: Children will eat more when they are hungry at dinner. Try not to let kids graze throughout the day. Instead, stick to set times for meals and snacks.
- Eating away from distractions: Removing distractions means everybody can be focused on the meal. This allows children and parents to eat more mindfully, listen to body hunger cues, and enjoy the food experience.
- Eating as a family: By eating together, your child will see you eating and enjoying eco-friendly foods. You can use this time to start a conversation about the food you are eating, the taste and texture, and where it came from. Eating regularly as a family benefits children's physical and mental health and helps them develop social skills.
It is challenging to manage the competing preferences of different family members. Small changes, understanding and compromise are required to reduce conflict.