One of the biggest challenges parents face is dealing with a picky eater. Children refusing to eat dinner is a common problem faced by most parents.

It can be frustrating to see your child rejecting the food you’ve lovingly prepared after a long day at work. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to encourage your child to eat dinner.

1. Involve them in meal preparation

One way to encourage your child to eat dinner is by involving them in meal preparation. Let your child choose a recipe or ask them to help you chop vegetables or set the table.

When children are involved in preparing and cooking a meal, they tend to be more excited to eat it.

2. Serve small portions

Serving small portions can make it less overwhelming for your child to try new foods. If they don’t finish their plate, it’s ok, don’t force them. Instead, encourage them to try a few bites, and if they don’t like it, it’s fine.

You can try again next time.

3. Make it fun

Make dinner fun by getting creative with presentation. Use cookie cutters to shape vegetables or make faces in their food. Parents can also use colorful plates or utensils to make mealtime more interesting.

Children are more likely to eat dinner if it’s presented in a fun and engaging way.

4. Don’t offer alternatives

It is tempting to offer your child an alternative to what you have prepared if they don’t like it. However, offering alternatives only encourages picky eating.

Instead, encourage them to try what is on their plate, and if they don’t like it, they can have something else once the meal is over. This way, children learn that they must eat what is served, and they can’t always get what they want.

5. Set a routine

Having a dinner routine can also help encourage children to eat. Setting a specific dinner time and having a routine can help children to know what to expect.

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Children love routines, and setting a specific time for dinner can also help to avoid snacks, as your child knows when the next meal will be.

6. Offer new foods frequently

Offering new foods regularly is also an effective method to encourage your child to eat dinner. According to studies, children need to try new foods at least 10-15 times before they develop a liking for the food.

Therefore, don’t give up on a new food if your child doesn’t like it on the first try. Keep offering it, and they might eventually develop a liking for it.

7. Be a role model

Parents play an important role in shaping their child’s eating habits. Children are more likely to eat if they see their parents enjoying the food. Therefore, set an example by eating healthy food and trying new dishes.

8. Avoid power struggles

It’s essential to pick our battles, and power struggles over dinner shouldn’t be one of them. If your child refuses to eat, avoid making it a big deal. Children pick up on parents’ stress and might use this to get out of eating at dinner time.

Remain calm and continue making dinner enjoyable.

9. Schedule regular snacks in between meals

If you find that your child still isn’t eating dinner, schedule small snacks in between meals so that they don’t get too hungry. Children have smaller stomachs than adults and may need to eat smaller, more frequent meals to keep their energy levels up.

10. Consult a professional

If your child’s refusal to eat dinner is becoming a severe problem, it may be time to consult a professional. A registered dietitian can provide expert advice on nutrition and suggest strategies to help your child eat a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Encouraging your child to eat dinner isn’t an easy task. It can take time and patience. Parents should remember that picky eating is normal for children, and it is essential to respect a child’s preferences.

By using the above tips, parents can make mealtime enjoyable and less stressful, while encouraging their child to try new foods.