As a parent, you may have struggled with introducing new foods to your child’s diet at some point. Children can be notoriously picky eaters, and it can be frustrating to watch them accept only a handful of food options.

However, it’s important to continue trying new foods with your child, as this can aid in their growth and development.

Here are some tips and tricks to help your child try new foods:.

1. Make it fun

Try to make trying new foods a fun experience for your child. Arrange food tastings, have them assist you in the kitchen, or make fun shapes out of the food to make the experience less stressful.

By making it a fun activity, children become more curious and less resistant to trying new things.

2. Start small

It can be overwhelming for children to be presented with a large amount of unfamiliar food items all at once. Instead, start small and work your way up.

Try introducing one new food item at a time, and continue to offer that food item in various forms until your child feels comfortable with it. For example, if your child is hesitant about broccoli, try offering it cooked, steamed, in a smoothie, or mixed in with a favorite food item such as mashed potatoes.

3. Keep offering

Don’t give up on a food item if your child rejects it the first time. It can take multiple exposures to new foods for a child to feel comfortable enough to try it.

Continue offering the food item in various forms until your child feels comfortable enough to try it out.

4. Eat with your child

Children often mimic their parents’ eating habits. If you eat a variety of foods and show excitement about trying new things, your child is more likely to follow in your footsteps.

Eating together as a family also provides an opportunity to lead by example and encourage your child to try new foods.

Related Article 30 ways to convince your child to eat foods they dislike

5. Involve your child in the process

When grocery shopping or meal planning, involve your child in the process. Let them pick out a new fruit or vegetable to try or have them assist in the cooking process.

When children have a say in what they’re eating, they’re more likely to feel comfortable with trying new foods.

6. Offer a variety of textures

Children can often be picky about the texture of their food. Some may prefer crunchy textures, while others may like it smooth.

In order to make trying new foods less daunting, offer a variety of textures and let your child experiment to find what they enjoy.

7. Don’t force your child to eat

Forcing your child to eat a food item can actually make them more resistant to trying it out again in the future. Instead, try to introduce new foods in a gentle and encouraging way, letting your child take the lead on their own preferences.

8. Try new foods alongside familiar ones

Introducing new foods alongside familiar ones can make the experience less daunting for children. For example, if your child enjoys scrambled eggs, try adding in some spinach or peppers for added nutrition and a new flavor.

9. Be patient

Trying new foods can sometimes seem like a never-ending process, but it’s important to remember that every child is different. Be patient with your child and let them take their time trying out new foods at their own pace.

Over time, they may surprise you with what they’re willing to try.

10. Offer praise and encouragement

Finally, make sure to offer praise and encouragement to your child for their efforts in trying new foods.

This positive reinforcement can go a long way in building your child’s confidence and helping them feel more comfortable with exploring new foods in the future.