by M.A. Dal Cero

Created on: April 26, 2009   Last Updated: July 19, 2009

The attempt to coax children into eating their vegetables is an obstacle which many parents face on a daily basis. The desire for our children to be healthy, and obtain all the necessary nutrients for growth, can drive parents and caregivers into various forms of bribery and trickery to accomplish this often daunting task. However, there are methods which have proved successful for parents who have struggled with this aspect of child-rearing without succumbing to frustration, or causing children to develop a negative view of eating.

-Present a wide variety of options

Children love to be presented with an array of colorful and appetizing choices as far as food is concerned. Rather than offering children only one vegetable that must be eaten, lay out a tray of sliced, raw pieces of celery, carrots, cucumbers, and any other vegetable that may be more appetizing to a child in a raw, as opposed to cooked, state. Also, add an aspect of fun with a delicious dip. Few children can resist the temptation and enjoyment of munching on vegetables that they can dip first.

-Disguise and hide

Vegetables can easily be pureed into a number of a child's favorite foods, such as pancakes, muffins, and soups. This is a fantastic option due to the fact that children eat their vegetables, without necessarily being aware of it, and parents have the peace of mind of knowing that they are getting the vitamins and minerals that vegetables provide.

-Allow the freedom of choice

Allowing a child to choose which vegetable they will eat with a meal diminishes a great deal of stress and strain on both the child and the parent. The child is given the opportunity to feel empowered, while, at the same time, the parent's goal is accomplished. One favorite vegetable is better than a refusal, on the part of the child, to not eat vegetables at all. Simply stating that they must choose one vegetable per meal, helps them to understand that, while the parent is still ultimately in charge, they will not be forced to eat a food they genuinely dislike.

-Involve children in meal preparation

Children delight in being a part of the preparation of household meals. It gives them a sense of ownership, responsibility, and pride. Also, it often sparks a desire to eat what they have prepared, especially in terms of vegetables.

-Encourage "just one bite"

Yet another simple strategy is simply to ask that the child try a single bite of a vegetable that is unfamiliar to them. Surprisingly, they may discover that it tastes good, and it could very well become a favorite. Give the child the option to then choose a vegetable which they would prefer, if the taste of the new one did not appeal to them.

Thankfully, the vegetable world abounds with choices. It is extremely likely that a child will eventually discover one or several vegetables that appeal to his or her palate. Therefore, relaxing the rules, in terms of which vegetables must be eaten, can result in far less worry for parents, and a positive view of vegetables, and food in general, for the child.

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