How to get your picky child to eat better

Some parents are lucky and they have kids that will eat anything. But for most parents they struggle getting fruits and veggies into their kids’ growing bodies. And kids, much like adults, get stuck in a comfort zone– eating what’s familiar to their taste buds. Krissy shares an awesome hands-on activity that worked for her two kids, and I think that it might help you get your picky child to eat the good greens too.

Written by contributor Krissy of B.Inspired, Mama!

My kids are by far the pickiest eaters on the planet. I’ve tried sticker charts, bribes, threats, beatings (just kidding, of course)… But the best tactic so far has been giving my kids the job of “Taste Tester.” I was very skeptical that my little monsters would even participate. BUT…

…they LOVED IT! I went with a St. Patrick’s Day theme and chose 9 green foods to offer in muffin tins (check out these adorable animal and bug muffin tins on Amazon here and here).

I included celery (with peanut butter), green grapes, broccoli, green apples, green peppers, and sugar snap peas. And I threw in a couple green treats, too, like lime jello, green gummy candies and mint chocolate chips.

I could not believe how excited my kiddos were to try every one of my choices!

They ate vegetables that have probably never hit their lips before.

I made a chart with smiley and frown faces for them to circle based on their findings. And I was surprised to see that Priscilla had more smiley faces circled than not. And she’s even been begging to taste test red foods next.

For more inspiring activities from Krissy, head on over to B.Inspired Mama!

Here are some other “green” food ideas for your taste test:

kiwi • peas • limes • pears • pickles • broccoli • zucchini • edamame • cucumber • asparagus • mint leaves • green tomatoes • baby spinach leaves • celery • green grapes • broccoli • green apples • green peppers • sugar snap peas • kale chips

You could also experiment with a different color each week. I find Annabel Karmel’s book I Can Eat a Rainbow to be a great inspiration for younger kids to try different foods by their color. Let us know if you decide to try the taste test experiment at home. I’d love to see a picture of your budding scientist!

Join the discussion

Do you have a picky eater? What do you do to get your kids to try new foods? Comment below to join in the discussion.