Fussy Eaters: A Parent’s Survival Guide

Fussy eating is a widespread problem across the globe. Feeding fussy eaters is just one of the battles that many parents have to face up to as their little ones transition from babyhood into toddlerdom.

While almost all children will fight to avoid eating their vegetables at some point, countless parents deal with kids with much more frustrating eating problems.

These include not eating enough or refusing to try anything new.

The good news is that there is hope at the end of the tunnel if you know how to go about rectifying the situation.

Here are some tips for feeding fussy eaters.

Remove The Stress Of Fussy Eating From The Situation

The more you beg your child to eat what’s on their plate, the stronger their resistance will become.

Eventually, it will feel as though every single meal is a power struggle.

The best approach is to act completely nonchalant.

Provide your child with the freedom to decide what they want to eat (on their plate – not something different from the fridge or pantry) and how much.

Bring Out The Blender For Fussy Eaters

Kids who refuse to nibble on fruits and veggies can get all the nutrients that they need from homemade smoothies.

Always start with a bit of spinach or kale, followed by a colourful, flavourful selection of fresh fruits, a dash of milk, water, or juice, and a tablespoon or two of plain yoghurt to thicken the drink.

The fruit will easily disguise the taste of the vegetables, and your stubborn little one will be none the wiser!

If they don’t like the look of a green smoothie, throw in a few blueberries for a more visually appealing hue. 

Consider Ordering Ready-Made Meals

You can save yourself time and put a smile on your kids’ faces by ordering ready-made meals from meal prep companies that specialise in healthy family dishes.

The children will feel as though they are getting takeaways and are likely to be much more enthusiastic about chowing down and maybe even trying something different.

The massive bonus is that you won’t have to spend a single second slaving over the stove.

Perfect Your Presentation

Children are visual eaters.

In short, if it looks beautiful, they will be far more inclined to eat it.

Don’t be afraid to get creative regarding how you arrange their plates.

There are several amazing examples and ideas online, so be sure to check them out for inspiration.

Also, remember to include as many different colours in your recipes as possible.

Kids love colour, and research has shown that you can ensure your family is getting the best possible nutrition by striving to ‘eat the rainbow’ at every opportunity.

The Bottom Line On feeding Fussy Eaters

It is important to keep your cool and to avoid trying to control your child’s eating habits.

It’s your job to offer them a variety of healthy foods; it is their job to decide if and when to eat them.

With calmness and perseverance, a healthier approach to eating will eventually fall into place.

Good luck!

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Last Updated on June 26, 2023 by Lucy Clarke