I cannot get my 4 year old to try new things

Jakki - posted on 11/15/2010

As a new angle - have you noticed that he is more willing to eat different things if he is hungry?

You could try making sure he doesn't have anything to eat between meals so that when it's dinner time he's absolutely ravenous! I don't want to sound like I'm being mean, but I really think that we all feed our kids too much and too often and so it isn't surprising that we've all got a problem with these picky eaters. They're just not hungry enough and know that if they wait a while, the next eating opportunity will be around soon, so it doesn't matter if they don't eat anything now.

I know that nutritionists don't recommend this, but I've always had success by telling my children that they have to finish their plates and then they'll get some dessert. If there's an item of dinner that I know they'll hate, I only put a small amount on their plate. Our meals times were quite stressful for a while esp when my son was about 2-4 yrs, but really it's died down now and I can cook almost anything.

Good luck!

Karen - posted on 11/02/2010

We have a one bite rule for every item on the plate. My daughter isn't allowed to leave the table until she tries everything once. There are a few items we know she hates, so they only go on her plate once a month or so, but anything new requires at least a taste test. We've found a ton of food that she loves using this method, such as Ginger Glazed Mahi Mahi and pistachios.

Kristi - posted on 10/30/2010

Thank you so much for your advice guys =). I mentioned to my husband about the "no bite" list and the "two bite" list, we're gonna try that. We had already been making him sit down and eat what was cooked, it just makes dinner take so long, because he protests for so long before he'll eat it. I think the bite lists will help, it will make him feel like he's also in control over what he's eating. But, really, thanks again to all you moms, really good advice =D. And it's good to know that I'm not the only one out there fighting the good fight.

Terri - posted on 10/26/2010

This age is so hard to work with some times because they get to be so picky. Textures and colors scare them for some reason? I think keep trying to introducing him to different types of foods. my youngest is 11 yrs.old and still is picky about he's food. I can so relate because he went through the same things. I think a lot of kids do. You as the parent have to encourage the healthy food and he also needs to see you eating the healthy different types of foods.

Leila - posted on 10/25/2010

Have you tried smoothies? depending on the fruit used, you can easily give the smoothies a name that will entice him. could also freeze the smoothies in dixie cups with a popsicle stick and it can be the treat for the afternoon or morning breakfast. He could help you choose what goes into the smoothie and both of you get to enjoy something wholesome. I, too have a two-bite taste a (new) food rule. have you tried leaving out a snack plate of more good food (carrot sticks, sugar snap peas, nut butter & celery, dried/fresh fruit, sandwich wraps/rolls, etc) for him to pick and choose through the day/afternoon? that way you're sorta of still in control of what goes in him, but he gets to dictate the time and how? At the dinner table, as frustrating as it is, keep offering the good stuff along with his favorites, but less of it. Maybe help with dinner/table preparation - have him be more involved. It definitely helps if he sees you (and Daddy) eat what you want him to eat. He will come around in time. Good luck.

Jonna - posted on 10/24/2010

On the positive side... Milk and water are the best drinks for him. I wouldn't push juice at all. I have always served what we are eating to our children and not given them any alternative. If they are hungry they will eat. Of course there will be foods that kids honestly don't like, but letting this behavior get out of control will make it harder for you in the long run. We have a list called the no-bite list. My children are allowed two food items that they never have to eat. We also have a two-bite list, they are also allowed two items that they have to only eat two bites of. These are specific foods not whole groups (they can chose green beans, but not veggies in general). You may decide to allow more items on these lists (my parents allowed us 2 no-bites, and 7 two-bites), we are just a little more strict than my parents were. Also, sometimes including him in the purchase and prep of dinner will help. When I take my kids to the store and let them pick out the meat from the meat counter and the veggies from the produce section and then let them help or watch me cook it, they always get excited to eat what they picked out. Good Luck!