Thanksgiving Guide for Picky Eaters
Thanksgiving Guide for Picky Eaters
Thanksgiving – for some kids, it’s their favorite meal that comes just once a year! For others, they may dread the sticky mashed potatoes that get plopped on their plate or the smell of Aunt Jean’s green bean casserole. Preparing your picky eater for this time of year might help you avoid the epic battle you fear is coming!
Here are 5 tips to help this time of year be fun and festive:
- Exposure! – Don’t let the Thanksgiving meal be the first time your picky eater sees all the new foods. Thanksgiving foods are not commonly seen throughout the year and can add stress to an already overwhelming situation. In the weeks leading up to the big meal, try to incorporate one or two Thanksgiving-type foods a week into your family meals or snacks. Even if they don’t want to eat it, they can touch it, smell it, play with it, and talk about it!
- Encourage your child to be your sous chef – Incorporating your picky eater into the cooking and creating of meals gives them a varied sensory experience, even if it’s a food they’ve never had or have tried and disliked. This enables them to see and feel the ingredients, use spoons and mixers to combine it all, smell the final product, and feel accomplished for helping!
- Let your child choose something to make- Allowing your child to choose a menu item guarantees they will have something they like! Macaroni and cheese, mozzarella stick appetizers, chocolate chip cookies, or homemade rolls may be some favorites.
- Bring sauce! – Sauces and dressings can be the key to kids eating new food. Even if you’re not hosting, bring it with you. If they love barbecue sauce, put a small bowl next to their plate and let them add it to whatever they want!
When in doubt, bring foods they like; if you’re going to someone’s house where you have little to no control as to what is served, you can always bring a few foods you know your child likes. You can re-heat it when the other food is served and explain to the host that your kiddo doesn’t even eat your cooking to avoid any offense.
