Eating a well-rounded diet is important for people of all ages, but it is particularly crucial for children, whose bodies are still growing and developing. One of the most important components of a healthy diet is fruit.

Fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all of which are critical for maintaining optimal health. Unfortunately, getting children to eat fruit can be a struggle for many parents. If you are looking for ways to help your child eat more fruit, the following seven steps may be able to help.

1. Be a Good Role Model

Parents are the most important role models in a child’s life, and this holds true when it comes to diet. If your child sees you eating fruit on a regular basis, he or she is more likely to be interested in trying it.

So, make an effort to include fruit in your own diet and be enthusiastic about it. Whether you are eating an apple for a snack or adding berries to your breakfast, let your child see that fruit is a regular part of your diet.

2. Make It Fun

One of the reasons children may be reluctant to try new foods, including fruits, is that they are unfamiliar and unappealing. To counteract this, try making fruit fun for your child. Cut it into different shapes, or arrange it in creative ways on a plate.

You can also make fruit smoothies or homemade fruit popsicles, which can be a healthy and delicious treat.

3. Get the Kids Involved

Children are more likely to eat and enjoy food that they are involved in choosing and preparing. Take your child with you to the grocery store and let him or her help pick out different fruits to try.

Once you get home, involve your child in preparing the fruit. This can be as simple as letting him or her wash the fruit or as involved as having your child help make a fruit salad.

4. Mix It Up

One of the reasons children may be hesitant to try new fruits is that they are used to a narrow range of options. Introducing new fruits can be a great way to get your child interested in eating more fruit.

Try offering a variety of different fruits, such as strawberries, oranges, bananas, kiwis, and melons. You can also mix different fruits together to create different flavors and textures.

5. Make It Accessible

If fruit is not easily accessible, your child may be less likely to eat it. Make fruit a convenient snack option by keeping a bowl of washed fruit on the counter or in the fridge.

You can also pack fresh or dried fruit in your child’s lunch or bring it with you as a snack when you are out and about.

6. Introduce It Slowly

For some children, the idea of trying new foods can be overwhelming. Rather than trying to add a lot of new fruits to your child’s diet all at once, start small. Try adding one new fruit per week or even per month.

This gradual approach can help your child get used to new flavors and textures without feeling overwhelmed.

7. Don’t Force It

Finally, it is important to remember that you cannot force your child to eat anything. Forcing a child to eat a food he or she does not like can be counterproductive, as it may further reinforce negative associations with the food.

Instead, keep offering different fruits and keep a positive attitude about them. Over time, your child may become more willing to give them a try.