Grandpa Richard's Kids

We have all seen them. Children who will not try new foods. We make sure that we have the same foods on our plates, and we make sure that we are seen to enjoy them, but our children just cannot be convinced.

What is a parent to do? Experts suggest continuing to try. It can take up to 10 attempts before a child tries a new food. Here are some ideas.

• Continue to offer your child a variety of foods, even ones they have rejected.
• Keep a variety of healthy foods available in your house. Limit the high energy low nutrient ones.
• Get your children to help prepare supper. Perhaps something as simple as tearing the lettuce into pieces for the salad.
• Try to have a common pattern for your meal times. One at which all members of the family can be present, in an atmosphere that encourages social interaction.
• Above all, make sure the adults of the household eat all their food.

One last idea I will leave you with is to make some of the dishes you prepare for your children attractive. As an example, take various types of fruit and make easily recognizable shapes. Kiwi makes for good eyes and a banana makes for a good smile. I’m sure that you can come up with other combinations.