6 tips for parents of picky eaters

Don't worry, you are not alone! In fact, some studies have shown that up to half of children surveyed were reported to be picky by their parents.

While much of the research on the subject focuses on toddlers and preschoolers, some studies have shown that the number of picky eaters peaks around age 5 or 6. years. Other studies have found consistent levels of picky eating throughout childhood. Whichever study you refer to, one thing is clear: food cravings are a relatively normal part of childhood.

The biggest concerns I've heard from parents of picky eaters usually revolve around their child not having enough variety and finding it difficult to introduce new foods into their food.

With that in mind, here are my top tips for packing a picky kid's Lunch Box.

Make a plan

Try using a prep guide and make a list with your child of everything they accept in this category.

Slightly modify the accepted foods

If your child is picky to the point that you can only pack the same foods every day, try changing up the presentation of those foods slightly. For example, cut them differently , use a sandwich pan, or empty packaged foods directly into the container. These changes may seem insignificant, but they teach your child that their food can still taste acceptable to them, even if it looks slightly different. Gaining his confidence in this way helps him to gradually expand his diet and prevents him from rejecting more foods when he is tired of eating them.

Don't worry about what happens at home

Children may have many reasons for not eating everything in their Lunch Box. The important thing to remember is that you must always respect the " sharing of responsibilities ". This means that it is up to the parents to decide what our children have to eat, but it is up to our children to decide if they eat it and how much. Children are well tuned to their appetites. Don't erode that ability by insisting they finish the contents of their lunch box. Over time, this can cause them to not eat enough and have problems regulating their weight .

Pack less to eat more

If your child is a reluctant eater, having to deal with a big serving of something (especially in the busy and often overwhelming school environment) can be very unsettling. Try to bring less food, you may be surprised to find that he will eat more!

The aesthetics of the Lunch Box can also easily help your child eat. Choose together a Lunch Box that he likes and he will have more desire to eat the contents! To enhance your child's meal even more, choose a Lunch box that he will like on Ma-Lunch-Box

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Try at home

Exposure and behavioral modeling are two of the best tools you have for introducing new foods to your child. If your child only ever sees cucumber sticks in their lunchbox and never at home, they'll probably be very reluctant to try them.

Make your snacks count

If your child is a picky eater , you may need to work a little harder to provide some of the essential nutrients and food groups. The best way to do this is often to replace store-bought snacks with nutrient-dense options that you have prepared yourself at home.

You now have 6 effective tips to finally get your child to eat healthily despite his "picky eater" character.

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