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If your child is refusing to try any new foods, you're not alone. Many of us deal with this problem. Some children are pickier than others, which makes our job a little harder. But like with everything else there are always ways.

First of all respect your child's hunger or lack thereof. Young children tend to eat only when they are hungry. Don't force a meal or snack if your child is not hungry. It will only result in refusing to try it at all.

Stay calm. Don't get angry if your child doesn't want to try the new food. Children can sense if you're unhappy or angry and if meal times become a battle of wills no one wins.

Keep an eye on the clock. Don't give your child snacks or juice in the least hour before meals. If your child comes to the table hungry, s/he is more motivated to eat and try what's in front of him.

Don't expect too much. For trying something new one bite is enough at first. Live it like that, next time it will be two or three.

Start small. Offer several foods in small portions. Let them choose which one is the best.

Boycott the clean plate club. Don't make your child eat everything. This will only make them resent and refuse foods especially the once they are not familiar with.

Sometimes you have to leave the taste out of it. Make it fun. Talk about a food's color, shape, aroma and texture. Don't ask does it taste good, ask how it feels.

Be patient with new foods. It depends on your child's age how s/he reacts to it. Sometimes young children touch or smell the new food, they may even put a small bits in their mouths and than take it out. Your child may need repetition exposure to a new food before s/he is ready for a fool bite.

Mix it up. Put one of your child's favorite foods on the plate next to the new one. Let them explore. Try it alone, together see what works.

If your child is old enough ask for their help. Take them to the store. Let them choose the new food you'll be preparing together that day. They will be more likely to try something they choose and helped prepare, they'll feel in control.

Be sneaky. Add chopped broccoli or green peppers to spaghetti sauce, top cereal with fruit slices, or mix grated zucchini and carrots into casseroles and soups.

Set a good example. If you eat a variety of healthy foods, your child is more likely to follow your example. Children love to imitate so let them imitate you eat.

Expect some food preferences to stick. As children mature, they tend to become less picky about food, and more willing to try new things. Still, everyone has food preferences. Don't expect your child to like everything.

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