Top tips for picky eaters
Jennifer
“Not allowing them to turn into a picky eater is the goal, and it can be achieved!”
We weren't allowed to be picky eaters when I was growing up, and we are raising our daughter the same way. You had to take a bite of whatever was put in front of you before forming an opinion, and color and smell couldn't factor into it.
My mom worked third shift, so she left dinner ready to be cooked and detailed instructions on when to turn on the oven, remove the lid, set the timer, etc. There was no room for “not liking” something.
If you tried the food and really didn't like it, you were welcome to make yourself a sandwich. My mom didn't run a short-order kitchen.
Surprisingly, it has worked well. My daughter likes artichokes, mussels, shrimp, green beans, peas and especially sushi. We can take her anywhere and always find something on the menu because she is an adventuresome eater.
We have applied this rule to our exchange students too. And it works. Jojo (from Italy) went home a fan of oranges, guacamole, curry, grits and much more. So much of what we ate looked “strange” to her. If we had allowed her to only eat what was familiar, she would have missed out on so much.
Not allowing them to turn into a picky eater is the goal, and it can be achieved!