Most kids go through a stage of life where they are picky eaters, and this often frustrates parents. You take the time to prepare a delicious meal for them, but then they refuse the entire meal or take nibbles of the foods they like and discard the rest. It is possible to still feed your foster kids well even if they are picky eaters. Here are some ways to do it.
Turn Those Vegetables and Fruits Into Sauces
Kids love to have tasty sauces with their meals, so if you’re having a hard time feeding them fruits and vegetables, prepare sauces out of them. One of the easiest ones is a chunky tomato sauce that you can serve with spaghetti or as a pizza sauce if you’re making homemade pizza. If your child hates apples and carrots, prepare an apple-carrot dipping sauce for them to eat with graham crackers or bananas.
Get Those Picky Eaters Involved in the Kitchen
Another good idea would be to have the kids cook with you in the kitchen. This is a great bonding experience and you can talk about the health benefits of certain ingredients. If you’re making salmon patties, discuss the omega-3 fatty acids that are important in keeping the brain healthy. Or if you’re making a fruit salad, discuss the health benefits of fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries.
Don’t Give Up When Rejection Happens
It might be tempting to stop offering certain foods because your kids refuse them a few times. But this isn’t wise because it hinders them from getting in the proper nutrition they need. You will need to seek out creative ways to serve the more difficult foods. Eventually, your kids will enjoy them. It takes consistency and patience but it can happen.
Find More Tips for Your Picky Eaters
In conclusion, with these strategies and a little creativity, you can feed your picky eaters meals that are both delicious and healthy at the same time.
If you’re a foster parent in need of guidance, contact us. We are here to help potential and current foster families navigate this journey with confidence.