Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in cincinnati, OH

Trying New Foods... How Do You Get 'Em to Try 'Em?

by Amy Mumper

April 26, 2009

A proud parent moment...my oldest son goes out to eat with Grandma and Grandma alone.  (Highly unusual for this poor middle kid to get one on one time from anyone, but anyway...) He orders a cheeseburger.  Predictable.  He orders broccoli for the side.  Unpredictable.  He actually says out loud that he'd like seconds on the broccoli.  Borderline unbelievable.  Right?  I guess that means than when he's been asking me for broccoli at home he actually does know what it is (note to self:  buy - and serve - broccoli.)  Wow!  That seems equivalent to a college graduate, doesn't it?  I'm always looking for feedback...

But, seriously, how do you get kids to try new things?  I honestly don't know.   I was the world's pickiest eater as a kid.   But, I think my husband knows.  Thank God he cooks because I sure don't.  And, I think it's how he does it that interests the kids and makes them risk takers when it comes to food.  Ask anyone.  My kids will eat.  And eat.  And eat.  Anything.

We've gotten cookbooks with the characters they like and actually followed through on the doing the  recipes with them.  Have the kids help in any way you can and EXPECT TO GET MESSY!  Have vegetables "hide" in the burritos and casseroles.  Being with you is the selling point of the food, I'm pretty sure.  My daughter eats olives and mushrooms like nobody's business.  I think it's because she's bonded with Daddy over the cooking of said olives and mushrooms.  My only input to the cooking process is don't give in and make a different meal for the kids.  I always say, "You don't have to eat it, but you'll be hungry." 

If that doesn't work, just go with the ever-popular daddy idea - bribing with dessert!