Moms Talk: What To Do With Picky Eaters

Each week in Moms Talk, the Haverford-Havertown Patch’s Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question: What To Do With Picky Eaters?

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Denise Ricchini (mother of 1): It can be a challenge at times to get your child to eat fruits and vegetables, so there are a few methods I like to use to get my daughter to eat certain things.  For example, I will let her dip carrots and celery into fat free ranch dressing as a snack. I have also tried mixed vegetables in with other foods so she didn’t know she was eating them.  Finally, I try to encourage her to finish the vegetables I give her and will allow her to have a mini-sized piece of chocolate if she does.  On the other hand, if she does not eat any of the vegetables, I will not allow her to have a desert.

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Emily Teeple Morrison (mother of 2): There are a few "tricks" I use to get my daughter to eat healthy foods.  She loves to help in the kitchen and I let her, even though it generally takes a little longer (and is a little messier) to make the meal.  When she's invested in the preparation, she's more likely to eat it.  Also, if it's something I don't think she'll like, I'll allow her to choose a few other healthy items to have with the meal — although nothing complicated as I generally do not make separate meals for her unless we are eating at separate times.  I think sometimes the finickiness just comes from the child wanting to have some sort of control.  

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Julie Carosella (mother of 3): My son is a very picky eater and to try to balance that a little, I offer a small amount of the food he doesn’t like, like corn, peas, etc. I then offer a food he does like, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and/or a snack.  I also do not let him have a snack until he finishes his dinner.  I do not force him to clear his plate, but he does not get a snack unless he does.  I also have done some of the sneaky chef recipe’s. The veggies are hidden and he does not know the difference. I am mixed it in to such things as pasta sauce, French toast and even grilled cheese. He  doesn’t know the difference.