This is a sponsored guest post.
Kids around the world eat few to no vegetables and fruit and their parents tend to force them to take a few down their system. And if you are a single parent, it can be even tougher for you. As per an American research, the kids in the US ate around 67% more fruit 2003 to 2010. However, their vegetable intake remained the same. It clearly shows that parents have not succeeded in getting their kids to eat vegetables.
Fret not! The only problem which does not let you succeed is the wrong approach that most parents take. Being forceful towards the kids takes them further away from listening to you. Here are some of the proven ways to get your kids not only eat but also like vegetables without your need to force them into it.
So, read through and thank me later!
Give them Freedom and Authority
When you give your kids the authority to give opinions and make decisions, they definitely become more inclined towards the whole process. Therefore, get them involved from the beginning to end, from the selection of recipe to the preparation of the meal.
Take them to the market and ask them to select the vegetables for themselves. Then, give them a recipe book and ask to pick a recipe of their choice. Then, take their assistance in meal preparation as well. After being involved in all of these steps, even the pickiest eater will get excited to eat veggies.
Let them Imitate You
Parents are like the ultimate role-models to their children. You do not need to sit next to your child and keep forcing them to eat. What you can simply do is start doing yourself what you want them to do. If you want them to eat vegetables, you must start enjoying yours too.
Not only that, make sure you show them your love for multiple vegetables and talk about their benefits without being too pushy. It will help your kid to understand the importance of veggies and prepare her mind to give them a try.
Turn it into a Game
Kids love to play games. They will do everything you say if you just turn it into a game. All you need to do is wake their imagination up. Ask them to imagine that the broccoli is a tree that they have to eat in order to enter level 2. And you will see how they clean their plate in no time. This trick will eventually help your child to get familiar with the taste of a certain vegetable too. As a result, they will probably just stop rejecting the meal in the long run.
Set a Meal Schedule
Setting a meal schedule helps regulate the appetite of your child and prevents them from snacking on unhealthy food as well. If you will fix a time for their meal, they will be so hungry by that time that they will accept everything that you offer them in the meal. It will no longer matter if it is a burger or a bowl of vegetables. Also, make sure that there is only one meal on the table so that the whole family eats it without an excuse. When there is no choice for anyone, nobody makes an unnecessary demand.
The Rewarding Approach
When it comes to this approach, the parents adopt it the wrong way. Instead of rewarding their child on good behavior, they begin bribing their child to do as they say. As a result, you might succeed in getting them to eat vegetables but subconsciously, you instill another bad habit into their minds.
So, make sure you appreciate them and reward them whenever you notice a little improvement rather than telling them that you will reward them if they eat their veggies. The reward does not need to be extraordinary.
You can simply take them for ice-cream or a long drive. Make sure your vehicle is safe for kids. Install a dash camera and a big led light bar for comfort and safety. Also, make sure you have all the right tools available in your car.
The role of a parent is no less than of a teacher. You need plenty of patience and consistency. You need to try new ways and observe and appreciate even little improvement. Do not get frustrated and end up forcing your child to eat as you say because it will take all your efforts down the drain. With all the tricks and tips given above, you can definitely succeed in getting your child to eat vegetables. However, it will all be a time-taking process and you cannot expect the child to start finishing his plate immediately. Remember, you have to notice each little improvement that takes place and never forget to give a reward to your child.
