Is getting your child to eat a new food like trying to solve a mystery? One day they love something, the next day it's off the menu. It’s a common challenge, but with a few clever tricks, you can make mealtime a breeze. 

In this blog, we’re sharing practical tips on how to encourage a fussy eater to eat. Say goodbye to the stress and hello to enjoyable family meals where everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied!

What Makes Kids Fussy Eaters?

Fussy eating is a common challenge for many parents, and it's not just about being picky. There’s a lot going on behind those tiny food preferences! 

First off, genetics can play a role—some kids are just born with more sensitive taste buds. Sensory sensitivities also come into play; a child who’s extra sensitive might find certain textures, colours, or flavours overwhelming. And let’s not forget early food experiences. If they haven’t had a chance to try a wide range of foods, they might stick to what they know best.

Kids can also be influenced by how new foods are introduced or even how they look on the plate. Understanding these quirks helps you approach mealtime with a bit more insight and creativity. 

Make Mealtime Easy – Grab Your Essential Family Meal Guide!

Does dinner time feel like a daily grind instead of a family highlight? It’s time to mix things up and rediscover the joy of mealtimes with Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids by Dr Nick Fuller. As a leading Aussie expert on childhood obesity, Dr Fuller dishes out a treasure trove of practical tips and tasty recipes that everyone will love, even the pickiest eaters.

Say goodbye to stressful meal prep and say hello to enjoyable, nutritious family dinners. Snag your copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids today and start turning mealtimes into memorable moments of family fun!

10 Ways to Encourage a Fussy Eater to Eat

Getting a fussy eater to try new foods can be a bit of an adventure. It takes a mix of patience, creativity and a sprinkle of fun. Here are 10 clever ways to make mealtimes less about negotiations and more about excitement!

Set Up a Meal Routine

Kids thrive on routine, so establishing regular meal and snack times can make them feel secure and reduce mealtime anxiety. When they know what's coming, they're more likely to be hungry and open to trying new foods. It also helps curb those pesky snack cravings that might spoil their appetite.

Get Them Involved in Cooking

Make your child a junior chef! When kids help pick out ingredients and stir the pot, they become more curious about what’s cooking. Let them choose a new fruit or veggie at the store and give them simple tasks in the kitchen. Their excitement about the meal will skyrocket when they’ve had a hand in making it!

Serve Small Portions

Start with tiny servings of new foods. Little bites mean less pressure and more chances for your child to give it a go. They can always ask for more if they like it, which builds their confidence and keeps things low-stress. In addition, it helps you sneak in a variety of foods without wasting any.

Introduce New Foods Gradually

Mix new foods with their favourites to ease them in. Adding a new veggie to their beloved soup or swapping out a slice of cheese in their sandwich can make trying something new less intimidating. It’s all about blending the old with the new so they get used to different tastes without a fuss.

Make Food Fun

Turn mealtime into playtime! Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches, arrange foods into fun designs, or serve up colourful dishes. When food looks exciting, kids are more likely to want to dig in. Let them create their own fruit kebabs or decorate their plates; it turns eating into a creative adventure.

Looking for more ways to jazz up your meals? Check out our channel for easy recipes and playful presentation ideas that make mealtime fun and stress-free!

Avoid Pressure

Keep mealtime chill and positive. Pressuring your child to eat can just make them more resistant. Instead, create a relaxed atmosphere where food is all about fun, not stress. Let them explore new foods at their own pace, and avoid turning meals into a power struggle. Offering choices and respecting their appetite helps keep things calm.

Eat Together as a Family  

Family dinners are a great way to model healthy eating. When everyone sits down to eat the same meal, kids are more likely to try what others are enjoying. It’s also a perfect time for family bonding and chatting. Shared meals show that eating is a social and joyful experience.

Praise Positive Behavior

Celebrate every little win! If your child tries a new food, give them lots of praise and encouragement. Even if they don’t like it, their effort is worth a high five. Focusing on their bravery helps build confidence and keeps them excited about trying new things.

Be Patient and Consistent

Changing taste buds takes time. Keep offering new foods alongside their favourites without making a fuss. Kids might need to see a new food several times before they’re ready to try it. 

Consult a Professional if Needed

If you’re still struggling with fussy eating and it’s affecting your child’s health or growth, it might be time to get expert advice. Paediatricians or nutritionists can offer tips tailored to your child’s needs and help with any underlying issues.

Summing Up

Turning a fussy eater into a food explorer doesn’t happen in a day, but with the right approach, it’s totally doable! By adding a splash of fun, getting them involved and sticking with it, you can gradually change their eating habits. It’s not just about getting them to munch on their greens today; it’s about helping them develop a love for food that lasts a lifetime. Keep your cool, be consistent, and before you know it, your little one will be making healthier choices on their own, making mealtime a joyful family event!

Want more tips on creating a positive mealtime experience? Check out our Resources at Feeding Fussy Kids for tons of helpful ideas!

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Meet Dr Nick Fuller

My Story

As a father, I know first-hand that raising healthy and happy children is tricky. Children are fussy, particularly at the end of the day when they are shattered. We also live in a society where companies seek to profit from what we feed our kids; incorrect and damaging advice is pushed on us and marketed towards our children, and we have no time.

But with these recipes and resources, you and your children can enjoy simple and well-founded food and lifestyle choices for lifelong health.