Families For Life | Help! My child only eats nuggets

Ready to throw in the towel after another rejected meal? Don’t worry – you’re not alone! Picky eating in children is a common sight in households, especially if your little one is learning to assert their independence.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help a fussy child embrace new foods and make mealtimes less stressful for you too!

Keep mealtimes relaxed

Picky eating is often associated with negative emotions or experiences related to certain foods. When a child is stressed, they are also more likely to avoid something new and stick to familiar favourites.

To get through a picky eater, start by making mealtimes more enjoyable! This means putting away your iPads and mobile phones and having conversations with each other. The trick is to engage your child with your family’s company so they can be more receptive to new foods.

Be sure to avoid stressing your child, and don’t force them to finish anything they don’t want to eat. Encourage them to take bites, but don’t fight over it. When everyone is enjoying their meals, these moments can become quality time spent with loved ones!

Hold back on the snacks

Snacking between meals can help manage hunger but filling up on salty, sugary foods can take away appetites during meals. If your child is getting a snack when they’re hungry before bed, you might be encouraging them to skip healthier meals and hold out until snack time.

Ensure that they’re ready to eat during mealtime, and you can help your child develop an appetite for new foods too.

Add some colour and make food fun

Turn meals into a fun experience by adding colours and shapes to your child’s plate! Good-looking food can whet your child’s appetite and help meals appear less bland.

Moulds and cutters can elevate a “boring” meal without too much effort. It’s also an opportunity for crafty Mums and Dads to flex their creative muscles and put together some cute food art to make healthy food more appealing. Throw in some colourful utensils or bowls with their favourite mascot and your child will be looking forward to mealtime again!

Set an example and try new foods yourself

Children tend to mimic their parents. If you want your fussy tot to try something new, lead by example and eat it first!

Cook the same meal for the whole family instead of making a separate meal for your child. Be adventurous with what you eat and if your kids want a bite, let them try! Just be careful with choking hazards.

As you teach your child to expand their palates, don’t forget that it’s okay to dislike some foods or dishes! Even as adults, we have our likes and dislikes too. The most important thing is making sure your child is getting their nutrients from the major food groups and eating healthily.

If your child’s pickiness is causing you stress, don’t be afraid to consult your doctor and help your little one eat better.