Barbecues, picnics, outdoor lunches and dinners are a must in the summer, but what if the kids are having a tantrum when it comes to food?
To transform the moment of the meal from stressful to joyful, here are some suggestions that come from some experts at the University of Kentucky.
First of all, make the moment when you are at the table relaxed.
The best way to prevent a child from becoming a picky eater is to make feeding time enjoyable with a variety of small portions of healthy foods. Meals should be relatively short, and children shouldn't be forced to finish everything. Some will exercise their independence by refusing to eat if they feel constrained, punished, or if you start bargaining with them. Also important is to provide a variety of healthy food choices in small spoonful portions, then relax and focus on your meal.
The less you focus on what your baby eats, the better he will eat. If the little one objects that he doesn't like what has been prepared, it's important to tell him it's okay and offer him the same food options as the rest of the family, then go back to your meal. However, you will get a result: either he will eat what he already had on his plate or something else. It is essential to encourage the child to try new foods. He may experience a dish he has never tasted 10 to 15 times before realizing he really likes it. So don't give up or get frustrated, but encourage him even if he tastes a small bite.
In general, to help children eat better at meals, you can follow some tips: try to limit drinks before eating time, plan snack time instead of letting them "feed" all day, remember that he also acts as a model at the table, because the little ones learn to eat by experimenting with new foods, and sit down to consume together as a family. (HANDLE).