Help your child understand the importance of healthy eating.
Let her make choices. Decision-making empowers kids. You can present healthy choices and let your child decide what she'd like to eat. For example, give her two options for breakfast or two veggie choices at dinner.
Make meals together. Even young children can help out with simple tasks like washing apples. Your child will be more willing to eat or try foods that he helps prepare.
Stick to a routine. Serve three meals and two to three snacks around the same time everyday.
Don't make negative comments about food. Negative comments influence children's attitudes about foods. Avoid remarks about guilt associated with eating certain foods or saying that something tastes bad.
Encourage her to try a new food at least once. Although you shouldn't force food on your child, ask her to take a small bite. If she doesn't like it, she doesn't have to eat more. It takes time for kids to accept new foods, sometimes as many as 20 tries before they do.
