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3 in 5 families are short-order cooks for picky kids. Here's what to do instead

·1 min

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According to a recent survey, many parents make alternative meals for their children if they don’t like what the rest of the family is eating. However, these replacement meals are often less healthy than the family meal. Experts recommend incorporating vegetables into meals even if children appear not to like them, as tastes can change over time. It is estimated that it takes about 20 exposures before a child becomes accustomed to a new food. To make new foods more appealing, engage children’s senses and involve them in grocery shopping and meal preparation. Instead of forcing children to eat a lot of foods they don’t like, it is important to teach them to listen to their body’s hunger and fullness cues. Desserts should not be used as a reward for eating vegetables, as it can create a negative cycle. Instead, offer desserts occasionally and detach them from specific behaviors. Overall, it is important to teach children to listen to their bodies and provide them with nutritious options.