Whether your kid’s a CE (that’s “Cautious Eater”) or AP (“Adventurous Palate,” see page 26 for more) putting a variety of healthful meals on the table can be a challenge. We asked readers of our weekly e-newsletter, Minnesota Parent This Week, how they get their own kids to expand their eating habits.
My husband arranges the food on the plate to make interesting objects like a tornado or a fish in water or something to make it “cool” to eat. He is very creative.
— Terri Osland
I try making the plate look exciting and “fancy” and not add too many new things at once. I also love divided plates, so you can have all different types of food together without it touching. It’s a big deal for many kids (and adults, too!). That way the new stuff doesn’t have to even touch the other stuff. We try to get them to try just one bite of it even if they don’t think they will like it. “Fancy” to my kids is cutting the food in an usual shape or laying things out like you would on a party tray. Sometimes I’ll let them use toothpicks to eat instead of a fork.
— Dawn Uribe, Minneapolis
I make sure my daughter eats her protein and veggies before I bring out the bread/starches and fruit.
— Kelsey Dawson, Minnetonka
Thanks to everyone who answered! To get weekly tips on where to go and what to do with your family, sign up for Minnesota Parent This Week at MNParent.com or send an e-mail to mwright@mnpubs.com
