Over the last couple of weeks, I have been asked the same reoccurring question. “How do you get your kids to eat that?” So I thought I would give y’all 3 tips that, I believe, have contributed to my not so picky eaters.

**DISCLAIMER: This has worked on my 4 so I can only speak to my experience with them. I want to acknowledge that I have been very blessed to have 4 very good eaters.

TIP #1: Veggies First

Since babies are born with a natural sweet tooth, I chose to introduce veggies first. All three of my babies were breastfed for the first year of their life, but we started introducing solids around 6 months old. Not one of them was a fan of the puréed baby food, so we immediately started with steamed veggies. Jettie and the twins ate only veggies for about the first 3 months after starting solids. Once they got a taste for them, we started introducing them to fruits and meats.

TIP #2: We don’t plan “KID FRIENDLY” Meals

John and I don’t plan meals around our kids. We cook what we want to eat, and our kids eat what we cook. We don’t cook separate meals for the kids. With that being said, we always have one side dish that everyone likes. We don’t use excessive spices, but we also don’t eliminate them from our dishes. We never require our kids to eat it if they don’t like it, but they are required to try at least one bite. I always try and remember that while kids are kids, they can be just like us when it comes to their appetite. Sometimes they are hungry, and sometimes they aren’t. So we never require them to eat everything on their plate.

TIP #3: Get Them Involved

If you only implement one of these tips, let it be this one. As the girls have gotten older, they have become more interested in helping out in the kitchen. I always try to get Jettie and Julia involved in making the meals. I have found that they are more likely to eat whatever it is we are having whenever they help prepare it. I have also noticed that when they portion out their own plate, they feel more in control and tend to eat better. So family style meals are a big thing in the Forrest House!

One more little thing to be mindful of. Your kids listen to and observe everything you say and do. John and I try to never speak negatively about any food, even if one of us doesn’t like it. If Julia or Jettie hear us say that we don’t like something, nine times out of ten they won’t like it either.

I hope some of these tips help your picky eaters branch out and try some new things!

THE END…

#loveyoulikepeaches