'Keep serving and eat by example': How to help a picky eater

Dealing with children who are picky eaters can be a challenging task. In this episode of Usapang Parental, we delve into the different strategies in helping children develop healthier eating habits.

It’s important to keep offering new foods, even if they're initially rejected, as repeated exposure can increase the likelihood of acceptance.

KEY POINTS

• By incorporating strategies and leading by example, parents can effectively assist their little picky eaters in developing healthy eating habits that will benefit them in the long run.
• It’s important to keep offering new foods, even if they're initially rejected, as repeated exposure can increase the likelihood of acceptance.
• Parents should avoid body shaming their children and instead focus on celebrating food and its role in nourishing the body.

'Usapang Parental' is SBS Filipino's segment on parenting. It features the stories of migrant families, parenting issues, raising kids, and parenting tips and advice from experts.

Fitfoodiemommy founder Tara Tan openly acknowledges the challenges she faced with her son's eating habits. Drawing from her own experiences, she shares effective strategies for parents to promote healthier eating habits in their children.

Tara Tan openly acknowledges the challenges she faced with her son's eating habits. Drawing from her own experiences, she shares effective strategies for parents to promote healthier eating habits in their children.

Give children choices

Miss Tan advocates for giving children choices and preferences when it comes to meals, empowering them to have a sense of control over their food.

Introduce nutritious smoothies

She suggests sneaking fruits and vegetables into nutritious smoothies and creatively hiding vegetables in dishes. Additionally, providing high-powered snacks ensures children receive essential nutrients throughout the day.

Keep serving

Miss Tan emphasises the importance of persistence in offering new foods, even if initially rejected, as repeated exposure can increase acceptance over time.

Credit: Duncan Lu

Create a positive environment during mealtime

Ms Tan shares parents can try implementing a no-gadget rule. Prioritising family time can foster a positive and supportive environment during meals, encouraging better eating habits.

Give children occasional treats

Miss Tan advises against depriving children of treats entirely. Instead, allowing occasional indulgence in moderation while reminding them of the importance of balance and nutrition is essential.

Avoid body shaming your children

Ms Tan believes parents should refrain from body shaming their children and instead focus on celebrating food's role in nourishing the body.

It’s important to keep offering new foods, even if they're initially rejected, as repeated exposure can increase the likelihood of acceptance.

By incorporating these strategies and leading by example, she shares that parents can effectively assist their little picky eaters in developing healthy eating habits that will benefit them in the long run.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

'Keep serving and eat by example': How to help a picky eater

SBS Filipino

12:16Filipino