Mealtime can be a battle ground, but you're not alone! Here are some strategies that may help:
1. Offer small portions to avoid overwhelming your little one. Give them the option to ask for more if they finish what's on their plate - this empowers them and encourages a good relationship with food.
2. Present the same food in different ways if the issue is texture or appearance - get creative! Cut foods into fun shapes, or use cookie cutters for variety.
3. Involve your child in preparing meals. Give them options to choose from for dinner and involve them in the cooking process - they're more likely to eat something they've had a hand in preparing.
4. Create a visual meal 'schedule' together that your child can understand, so they know what to expect. It could be pictures or words, but having a visual timetable might help your child feel more assured and reduce mealtime stresses.
5. Don't be afraid of mess! Let your kiddo experiment with their food - sometimes it's the sensory experience that encourages them to try new textures and flavours.
6. Keep trying! Keep offering different foods and don't give up hope if they refuse something one day. Tastes change, so keep introducing a variety of healthy options. It can take up to 15 attempts for a child to develop a taste for a new food - persistence is key!
7. Remember it's ok to bribe . Using treats like ice cream or a trip to the park as leverage can be effective in getting your little one to finish their meals, but don't let them think it'll work every time!
8. As hard as it is, try not to show frustration or make meal times into a battle of wills. Keep mealtimes positive and relaxed on your end, so your child associates eating with pleasure, not anxiety.
Hopefully some of these strategies help make mealtimes easier!