Stressful mealtimes? Welcome to my world. This is what I have learnt:
1) Child sized portions- this will stop the fussiest of eaters from feeling overwhelmed.
2) A little of what they like! Include a fool proof favourite of theirs when introducing a new food.
3) Pay attention to the good, ignore the bad. Even if your little one takes a bite of something- praise goes a long way.
4) Set a good example- share mealtimes with your little ones and show them how it's done.
5) Clear expectations- so that you are all reading off the same page, parents need to be united.
6) Let your children find out where their food came from, grow your own veggies, involve them in the supermarket shop, let them help with the cooking.
7) Make meal times fun- recreate meals from your favourite restaurants, invite friends around, make your own menus, let your children make their own place mats and lay the table.
8) Reward with favourite foods. When a child eats something new without a fuss, let them choose the pudding.
9) Be realistic- even as adults there's food we don't all like. Not everyone has to like all food. But expect your child to give it a go. We have one rule, just give it your best try and don't make a fuss!
Even after all this I think we'll forever have tears from my eldest when I serve up a roast dinner or when his food touches on the plate!
