Picky kids who refuse to eat fruits and veggies can drive their parents crazy. However, most of the time an aversion to vitamin-packed produce is a fairly simple issue to fix, though it does require patience and time. The worst thing parents can do in this situation is force children to eat their fruit and vegetables. Instead, parents should try addressing the problem at its root.
Method of Preparation
Method of preparation can be a big reason why children refuse fruits and vegetables. Many vegetables become mushy and foul-smelling if they're overcooked. Take care to prepare fruits and vegetables well, and in the manner that your children desire, if you want them eaten. If your child doesn't like common boiled or steamed veggies, try giving him a raw platter or a fresh green salad to snack on. Serve fresh fruits that are in season to make sure they're sweet and juicy, or include frozen fruit in tasty homemade smoothies. If it helps, serve fruit and vegetables with a side of nut butter, salad dressing or yogurt for dunking. You can also give cooked veggies a sprinkling of cheese or seasoning blend.
Failure to Recognize Foods
Many kids refuse to eat fruits and vegetables because they simply don't recognize the food that's on their plates. Get kids involved with shopping, meal planning and cooking so that they can learn to identify and appreciate fresh produce. Spend ample time in the produce department at the store, pointing out the different types of fruits and veggies. Allow your child to choose a special fruit or vegetable that she'd like to eat for dinner. Kids can also be great help in the kitchen. Let your child snap the ends off of green beans or asparagus, peel citrus fruits or break the florets from heads of broccoli and cauliflower. Kids are generally less suspicious of items they've helped select and prepare.
Lack of Variety
Kids crave variety, even from a young age. If your previously veggie-loving child starts turning up his nose at the usual green beans or apple slices, it may be that he's just bored. Introduce your child to less common options, such as edamame, kiwi fruit, mangoes and beets, to keep things exciting. You can also offer your young kids what Dr. Sears calls a "nibble tray," which is a selection of several different fruits and vegetables on a sectioned plate. Let them snack from it at will throughout the day.
Lack of Role Models
According to KidsHealth, a website from The Nemours Foundation, the best way to encourage kids to eat their fruits and vegetables is to set a good example. If you expect your children to gobble down their peas, then you had better be ready to put away a serving as well. Eat meals with your child that prominently feature fruits and veggies, and talk with them about the reasons why you like to eat these items. Simply sending out the right message is usually enough to get kids on track.
