Kids can be picky eaters, and seafood is one of the most common problem areas. Full of essential vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, fish is a crucial part of a healthy diet. If your child seems resistant to the idea of eating fish, there are simple ways to introduce it naturally into their diet.

How to Get Your Child to Eat Fish

1. Mix Dishes

Try to combine seafood with your child’s favorite dishes. Add drained and flaked tuna to classic macaroni and cheese to create a cheesy tuna mac or teriyaki salmon to fried rice. If they balk at mixed foods, pair fish next to something they’re used to — like chicken.

2. Try It Fried

This isn’t the healthiest method of eating seafood, but it may help to initially get children past their hesitation. Fish and chips, crispy sandwiches, and fish sticks will certainly tempt those who love chicken fingers. Just make sure to transition them into eating fish cooked in various ways.

3. Serve a Snack

It never hurts to start small. Add little hints of seafood into their snacks to give them just a taste, and the curiosity may win them over. Spread cream cheese over a bagel or avocado on toast, then top them with baked salmon. Make tuna melt stuffed peppers, or find a simple mini fish cake recipe. A snack with unfamiliar foods is much less daunting for kids than a meal.

4. Make It Dippable

Even the pickiest of eaters will often have a favorite dipping sauce. Whether it’s ketchup, honey mustard, mayonnaise, or soy sauce, children will be far more willing to eat something they can drench in their sauce of choice. Fish sticks and cubed fish are excellent for dipping, so pair them and have them for lunch or dinner.

Lolo’s Seafood Shack of New York City has a dish for everyone. Their seafood is packed with authentic Caribbean flavors, so even picky eaters will love their tasty options. From crispy mini crab cake sandwiches to the delicious salmon and shrimp baskets, each dish is seasoned to perfection. If your child is still on the fence about fish, there are several meat and vegetarian options available. Browse their menu online or call (646) 649-3356 to make a reservation.