If you have a picky eater on your hands, mealtime can be a major source of stress. But don’t worry, with a little creativity and some sneaky tactics, you can get your 6 year old to eat healthy and delicious meals without resorting to chicken nuggets every night.
One idea is to get your child involved in meal planning and prep. Let them pick out a few ingredients at the grocery store and help you chop veggies or stir sauces. When kids feel like they have a say in what they eat, they’re often more willing to try new things.
Another trick is to make healthy foods fun and visually appealing. Make a pizza with whole wheat crust and pile on colorful veggies and low-fat cheese. Cut sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters, or let your child build their own taco with healthy fillings like black beans, avocado, and shredded chicken.
If your child is averse to trying new foods, try incorporating familiar ingredients into new recipes. For example, add some pureed butternut squash to mac and cheese, or sneak some spinach into a smoothie made with bananas and peanut butter.
Remember, it can take multiple exposures to a food before a child starts to like it, so don’t give up if your child doesn’t love something right away. And above all, keep mealtime positive and relaxed. If your child feels pressured or forced to eat, they’ll likely resist even more.
By using these tips and tricks, you can create healthy and delicious meals that even the pickiest of 6 year olds will enjoy!
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