Five Simple Ways to Help a Picky Eater

Play Games with Foods

One thing we learned in feeding therapy was to use a chart with each new food. We used a choice chart where a child can choose what they want to do with a new food. The deal is that the child needs to try the food in some way ten times before they can decide they don’t like it. Giving your child the power to choose what happens can help them feel more in control of the situation. If they know there is a choice or even a small prize they are more inclined to cooperate.

Let Them Cook with You

Kids love to help with cooking, and while it makes for a bigger mess, it is a great way for your picky eater to have the opportunity to be exposed to new foods. My kids all love to help with cooking and baking. One of the coolest things that we found was a kid-safe knife set on Amazon. Even if they still don’t want to try the food, you are exposing them to new foods. It will eventually pay off but keep the pressure off, they will try more foods when they are ready.

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Give an Incentive

One of the best ways to get a child to do something that they are nervous about is to offer an incentive. Make a chart or a checklist for them to check off when they try a new food, touch a new food, taste a new food, or in some cases even having a food on their plate. Once they have a few checks or stickers, let them have a small prize. Maybe they get to make their favorite food for dinner, or they get a dollar bin prize. It doesn’t have to be anything big, and you usually already know what will motivate your child.

Let Them Make the Choice

When you are planning your meals or thinking about what your child might eat, let them choose what they would like to try. Now sometimes this can backfire- like when your kid chooses Coke and you are sure they will hate the carbonation, and they wind up loving it. BUT this also gives them some control over the situation. This will take some of the anxiety out of the situation and make for a more cooperative kiddo.

A Note On Medications

Over the years we have tried many different ways to get our son to take his medications. It has not always been easy. Taking medications is one of his least favorite things. He hates the texture of applesauce, so we have had to get creative to find the best way for him to take his medication. Here is what has worked for us so far:

1. Bananas: Thinly slice the banana and place a little mediction on one slice and then place another slice on top like a sandwich. This is a great way if your child likes bananas because they can’t taste or feel the meds.
2. Cut open an ice cream sandwich and put the medication in the middle.
3. Cut open a piece of a rice crispy treat and put the medication in the middle.

Finally- just remember – this is a PROCESS. Sometimes it is a long one, and sometimes there will be setbacks. Don’t lose patience, and know when to push and when to back off. Make sure that you give your picky eater lots of praise, and tell them how proud of them you are for trying new food. Finally, there is professional help available. Feeding Therapy is available at most agencies that have a speech therapist, and often if it is deemed necessary, insurance will pay. Talk to your child’s therapist or pediatrician to get more information.