In order for your child to learn to like new things, you have to first offer them but what if just seeing a new food on their plate causes a huge meltdown?
This is a common problem amongst parents, especially those with picky eaters. The good news is that there is a simple way to help reduce new-food-related-meltdowns.
Let me introduce you to the No Thank You Bowl!
This is a simple but effective way to help your little one keep that unwanted food on the table, while still having the “power” to get it off their plate.
By offering an empty bowl (or plate, or even napkin) you do a few things.
1. You get your child to interact with that food. Just touching a new food can be a huge step for some kids! (If they won’t even touch it, keep reading. I have tips for that too)
2. You give them the perceived “power” to remove this food from their plate resulting in fewer meltdowns.
3. You keep that food visible and accessible just in case they change their minds and decide to try it! Oftentimes, when they want this item off their plate it either goes to your plate, back to the kitchen, or (the worst) on the floor. But by offering this place to them, you prevent the food from being removed completely!
The No Thank You Bowl is a huge asset when it comes to reducing mealtime meltdowns. But let’s say that they “won’t even touch it”, then what?
Time for a few of my other favorite mealtime tools!
Mini Tongs are a simple and fun option for letting your child pick up and remove foods from their plate. This helps them by not requiring them to actually touch the food while still interacting with it in a fun way! Who doesn’t like clicking tongs?
Food Picks or Toothpicks are also another way to let your little one pick up foods to move them. Food picks are so exciting. We love to name ours and give them jobs such as “Can you use Mr. Gerald the Giraffe to help your broccoli walk across the jungle?” Simple, creative play during mealtimes helps to break the tension and focus them on exploring the foods – without pressuring them to eat it.
These food picks from Amazon are some of our favorites >>
When it comes to feeding kids, the key to helping them learn to like new foods is by making them feel safe! Take the pressure off and avoid forcing, bribing, or begging for bites.
Offer them one small piece or spoonful of new foods and if they eat it -great!
If they ignore it- prompt food play!
And if they become upset seeing it – offer them a place to put it beside their plate!
But if you want them to ever learn to like it, you have to keep offering it. Because if you don’t offer it, they don’t get a chance to keep trying!
Other Articles You Might Find Useful:
- Cherry Coconut Breakfast Bars
- Spinach Banana Pancakes
- Starting Solids: Stage 1 (6 months old)
- Pasta Salad
- Watermelon Popsicle
Information on this site should not be relied upon to determine diet, make a medical diagnosis, or determine treatment for a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. For more information please read our full disclaimer here.
Snacks with Jax 