Parents strive to expand their kids’ palates, eat more vegetables and try different foods, especially if they have a picky eater. Below are a few tried and true tips to help get kids in the kitchen, try something new and be less picky!
Get kids in the kitchen at a young age
- Kids as young as 2 years old can start to help by washing vegetables, whisking, rolling or stirring.
- Kids love to feel useful and by helping to make dinner it will make them feel proud of their contribution.
- Picky eaters are more willing to try different ingredients and food if they are involved in the preparation.
Make cooking a fun family activity- get kids in the kitchen!
- Kids will get excited about the meal you will be making together; show them images of the meal.
- Get your picky eater involved in planning and shopping – have them check the box on the shopping list and pick out fresh veggies and fruit at the grocery store.
- Tell them the fun facts about the key ingredients.
Try new food in small quantity and reduce the intensity of spiciness
- Everyone’s palate is trained and developed over time.
- Let your picky eater try new food in small quantities.
Make a family meal that can be shared by the whole family
- Avoid making different meals for different family members.
- If kids are used to eating the same meal as adults, they will learn to adapt to a family style dinner of sharing and trying new flavors together.
- Make sure the family meal is well-balanced and rainbow colored!!
These tips to get kids in the kitchen are courtesy of Rowena Scherer, creator of eat2explore- a subscription cooking kit, to help kids learn about cuisines around the world and to try new foods while also mastering valuable cooking skills.
