6 Ideas for Parents of Picky Eaters — You're Not Alone

As some of us know all too well, picky eating is fairly common. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it discounts how difficult and frustrating it can be! Here are some tips and tricks to help your picky eater try new foods.

1. Involve your little one in the kitchen.

A great way to get your kid more comfortable with different foods is to get their hands on them. When preparing their meals or snacks, take the time to teach them how to prepare them on their own. If you’re chopping carrots and making hummus, or even preparing a holiday meal, have them stir, clean, chop, and snack along with you. You could even purchase a kid-friendly kitchen set and an apron for some added fun.

2. Teach kids what food does for their body.

As you prepare a meal or chat with your kiddos in the kitchen, try bringing up fun facts about what you’re preparing. If you’re making a bean and rice burrito for lunch, you could explain how beans have protein to give you strength and fiber that helps you poop, rice has carbohydrates that give you energy, and avocado has fats that can benefit your skin. From there, your kid may have endless questions. But even if they don’t, don’t worry! You can try again at snack time when you explain that pineapple tastes sweet and is a source of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6.

3. Model the behavior you want to see.

When your kids see that you’re interested in food, it is likely that they’ll be interested, too. Show and share your avocado toast or granola and berry snack mix with them. Exposure and tasting new foods over time will help encourage your child to eventually use them in the meals and snacks they prepare for themselves. As your kids grow, give your kids more of what you’re eating, not just “kid-friendly” meals and snacks.

4. Sit at the kitchen table.

There are lots of things that distract kids from eating. Try sitting down at the dinner table for a more intentional mealtime. Sitting at the kitchen table with the TV off and phones put away allows for conversation and focus on the family meal. Fewer distractions may mean more focus on food!

5. Incorporate “no-pressure” meals.

If your child isn’t keen on anything you seem to give them, put the ball in their court. You want to give them the option to choose or participate in planning their menu: Do you want a sunflower seed butter and jelly sandwich or a tomato sandwich with avocado and cucumber? Giving them several options and the power to choose could help change their perspective.

6. Try Kate Farms Kids Nutrition Shake.

Tasty and convenient nutrition shakes don’t have to be a last resort! When searching for nutritious options for your child, consider a nutrient-based, ready-to-drink Kids Nutrition Shake. The Kids Nutrition Shake is carefully designed with plant-based pea protein, carbohydrates, functional fats, quality fibers, vitamins, and minerals. We created Kate Farms Kids Nutrition Shake in three flavors — chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

Your child can get 27 essential vitamins and minerals, 8 g of organic yellow pea protein, and 5 g of fiber in every shake. If you try our Kids Nutrition Shake, let us know their favorite flavor, and share your story with us!