If your child is entering preschool, it could take them a little while to adjust to new people and a new routine. To keep children energized, learning centers provide meals and snacks throughout the day. If your student is a picky eater, refusing the provided food could leave them famished, exhausted, and cranky come pickup time. Below are a few ways to encourage your youngster to try new foods, even when you’re not around to encourage them. 

How to Get Picky Eaters Excited About New Foods

Show How Food Is Made

Fear of the unfamiliar is what makes many children hesitant to eat in preschool or try meals at the dinner table. When cooking at home, including your youngster in the process could make them more curious about foods being prepared. They can see hard noodles become softer in boiling water, for example, or help toss ingredients in a salad or stir spaghetti sauce. Having a small hand in preparing food could encourage your child to try what they’ve helped create.  

Describe Ingredients as Accurately as Possible

When your child is at preschool or dining at a restaurant with the family, you won’t have the opportunity to show how food is made. In these situations, describe flavors and ingredients to entice your youngster to take a bite. When describing yogurt, for example, try to use as many descriptive adjectives as possible. Instead of just saying it tastes great, mention the creamy texture, sweet flavor, and slight tartness. You can also compare food to similar dishes the child enjoys when describing it. Ask your child’s preschool teacher for a list of foods served each week. This way, you can describe each one beforehand. 

Put Small Portions on Tasting Plates

For some children, being presented with a plate full of new foods can be overwhelming. They could be put off by the collection of new smells or sauces mixing together. Altering how food is presented could make your child more inclined to try it. Put a small sample of each side dish and entree item on separate plates. This way, they can examine the food more closely and won’t feel pressured into finishing large portions.

If you are looking for a reputable preschool in La Crosse County, WI, the courteous, friendly educators at Christian Chapel Day Care are happy to discuss enrollment options. The educators provide faith-based early childhood development programs, meals, and outdoor activities in a safe, welcoming environment. To learn more about Christian child care and education opportunities available in Onalaska, call (608) 783-5722. An associate is available to share information and provide advice to prepare your student to enter preschool. You can also visit the center online for answers to frequent questions, and visit their Facebook page to see classroom photos.