More Ways to Get a Toddler to Eat

We have all heard about hiding good foods into standard fare, such as extra vegetables in pasta sauce (one of my least favorite ways of getting a child to eat, since it involves trickery rather than changing habits), but what are some other ways of getting that picky toddler to love new and healthy food?

Here are some of the methods that have worked for my family and/or the families of some of my close mom friends.

The Clean Your Plate Club, Updated

When I was a child, I was told that if I finished everything on my plate that I could join the exclusive clean you plate club. To update this idea, we have created an award called the “Fierce Eater.” Whomever is brave enough to try a new food and actually swallow it earns the designation for the night. They are given a badge to wear and bragging rights. When one kid wins the award, they all want to follow, so it helps to have enough badges to go around.

Where’s Wall-E?

I stumbled on this one just a few months ago. We were looking through the grocery store clearance rack when my kids spotted plastic kid’s plates with the character Wall-E on them. I gave in and bought the plates. Now they hurry and it to see who can uncover Wall-e’s eyes, or hands or friends first.

Kid Chef

When kids have a hand in preparing the meal, they are often more likely to try it out, especially if they are given some of the decision making. “Should we cook the carrots in big pot or a little pot?” “Should we cut them into sticks or into rounds before we cook them?” Make sure to praise the cook at the table, and you just may get him or her to eat anything.

How do you get your toddler to eat?

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

Related Articles:

Board Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Getting a Toddler to Eat

Making the Transition to a Toddler Bed