do with it, put it into their mouths. Children also love their independence, so by allowing them to feed themselves, they feel independent. While they play with the mess in front of them, you can be feeding from a spoon at the same time.

MAKE FOOD ATTRACTIVE

Heaping any type of food onto a plate will not be attractive for any children; it can actually be quite overwhelming for them. When serving children their food, try and give small amounts and keep them separate. Try using bright colored vegetables, cutting them in a particular way or using a special plate and spoon that is only for your child.

Sauces, gravy and melted cheese over vegetables and meat is also another way to get your children to like the foods they eat. If they like these added to their bowl of vegetables, then encourage them to do so.

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO HELP PREPARE FOOD

Encouraging children to prepare food and discover how it is made and what it consists of is great for picky eaters. Children love to help in the kitchen, especially when it comes to helping with flour or other food items. You could follow this up at dinnertime by telling another parent how your child helped you cook dinner, use plenty of encouraging words and phrases.

USING REWARDS & POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

Many parents use rewards to help encourage good eating. If you prepare a sweet for after dinner, you will need to establish very early that this can only be eaten once dinner has been consumed. It's important that you remain consistent with when a reward is given and what type it is, as children rarely forget when a parent may give in.

What you say to your children is also important. Remember to always use positive words and phrases that encourage your children at all times. This is also important at meal times.

USE FOOD TO EDUCATE

Teach your children where their food comes from. You could visit a farm where there are chickens that produce eggs, or perhaps you may grow and harvest your own vegetables and fruit. Encouraging children to learn where certain fruits, vegetables and food come from also teaches them about healthy food choices and encourages them to eat it.

As a parent it's important to encourage healthy eating from a young age. Your children observe everything that you do, so eating a variety of foods yourself is important. Always use encouragement and positive reinforcement, help kids learn about their food, discover new tastes and textures and you will find they begin to be less picky about what they are served for dinner.

Learn more about this author, R.L Hanlon.
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