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Cooking for Kids: Picky Eaters
Dishes that even finicky kids will love
Picky eating is a manageable stage. We've pulled together a set of recipes that should please the choosiest child, and whenever possible, we selected healthful versions of these dishes so when they do eat, they'll be well nourished.
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Tips for Parents
• Introducing New Foods
• School Lunches
• Getting Through the Phase
Breakfast Recipes
• Apple Pancakes
• Sunshine Toast
• Dessert for Breakfast
Snacks and Lunch
• Fruit "Salsa" With Chips
• Tuna Pita Melts
• Fruit Smoothie
• Peanut Butter Apple Sandwich
Dinner Recipes
• Strawberry Kiwi Salad
• Basic Lasagna
• Microwave Mac and Cheese
• Cheesy Spaghetti & Chicken
• Chicken Fettuccine
• Fun Shaped Pizza
• Mashed Potatoes
• Chicken Kabobs


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Member Comments On...

Cooking for Kids: Picky Eaters

DawnECopple
DawnECopple says:
July 25, 2008

I make home-cooked meals full of healthy veggies, meats and whole grains. I am an adventurous eater, and wanted my children to be. The "try one bite" rule has resulted in 7 years of dinnertime battles. The "healthy snacks" rule is another battleground. So I changed the rules. I'm saving the gourmet meals for a later date. I simply don't buy food I don't want my son to eat (or I hide it really well). I allow my son to modify his meal so he can eat it, or he can choose a meat/dairy, fruit/veggie and whole grain choice and eat it with us. This way my son learns to eat well even though he is picky. And the kitchen is no longer a battleground.

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Parkslund
Parkslund says:
June 20, 2008

In our house, we are blessed to have adventurous eaters. I think this began long ago when they were babies and ask "what dat Ma" and they tasted whatever they asked about. We put to use the one bite rule. Try one bite. You must finish the bite, but, you do not have to eat any more. My kids could tell you what they have not eaten and enjoyed easier than what they have not eaten. It is the sense of adventure, installed early on, that has made our family non-picky eaters.

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Fresh-Baby
Fresh-Baby says:
June 19, 2008

Start early: At the very first signs of finicky behavior, explain to your child that it is not healthy to eat the same foods all the time.

Include them: Children are more likely to eat something that they have helped make, so get your children involved in preparing meals.

Set goals: It is not realistic to try to force your child to eat a whole serving of food that they claim not to like. Instead start off with small expectations, like one bite of the new food, and work your way up from there.

Be consistent, firm, and don't give up: Use the same tactics at each and every meal. Put new foods on your child's plate first. Remind your child of the goal and offer plenty of encouragement. Don't give in to stubbornness.

Don't rush meals: Offer your child plenty of time to eat a meal.

Praise: Even if it is just one nibble, congratulate your child.

Be a good role model: You cannot expect to raise children that eat a good variety of healthy foods if you do not.

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