Just when you think your child is never going to eat a vegetable or touch a salad, they surprise you.
My daughter has recently shown an interest in salads…my salads to be specific. Everything looks better when it’s on someone else’s plate, right?
First, if your child currently doesn’t eat any of the vegetables you give them, that’s 100% okay! They’re getting the necessary nutrients from other foods right now, like fruit. You’re in it for the long-term game, not the short-term dinner win. The goal is not to “get” your child to eat something, but rather to have a positive relationship with food and generally like most foods later on in life.
Building a long-term, healthy relationship to all foods takes time. It’s not going to happen one time at the dinner table and it certainly doesn’t happen when a food is forced on your child. Saying “eat one more bite of this” or “just try it” or “if you give it a try, then you can have more of the chicken nuggets” doesn’t create a positive dinner-time experience. If you’re one who has a strong aversion to peas, I’m guessing it’s because of a not-so-pleasant experience with them as a child.
EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE
So, what can you do? I can’t say it enough: Exposure, exposure, exposure! Even if your kiddo isn’t into a certain food right now, the exposure is still there if they see you eating it, see it on the table, or watch you prep it in the kitchen. So often I hear about parents not serving their child a certain food anymore because “they don’t like it.” It’s not uncommon for kids to leave a food untouched on their plate even though they do like it. And, if you don’t offer it, they’re never going to learn to like it or get comfortable with it. Keep offering those foods in small amounts!
My daughter still chooses not to eat the vegetables on her plate a lot of the time, but over the course of many, many exposures, I’m seeing progress. For now, I’ll continue to keep offering and not make a big deal of it when she does (or doesn’t) choose to eat it.
Kara Hoerr is a wife, mom of two littles, and a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in family and childhood nutrition. She’s originally from Iowa, but has called Madison home for the past 10+ years. When she’s not helping families and individuals end mealtime battles or quit diets for good, she’s usually baking or cooking in her kitchen, running or biking on the Madison trails, or relaxing with a good book. She never expected to start her own business, but here she is with Kara Hoerr Nutrition. She offers nutrition coaching and online courses to help moms (and dads!) out at the dinner table. To learn more or to set up a free discovery call, email Kara at [email protected], or find her on Instagram.
