Young children can be picky eaters, so it might be difficult to get your little one to try new dishes at the dinner table or at restaurants. Seafood contains docosahexaenoic acid, a fat that aids the development of kids’ brains, vision, and nervous systems. If you’re eager to get your kid to try out seafood to reap their nutritional benefits, here is some advice.

3 Tips to Introduce Seafood to Kids

1. Start With Mild Fish

Your child could be hesitant to try new food because they’re afraid of getting strong, bitter tastes stuck in their mouth. To get them to enjoy the flavor, first introduce them to mild-tasting fish such as cod or halibut. Once they become familiar with the taste and texture of fish, you can move on to varieties with slightly bolder flavors, such as yellowtail, grouper, and trout.    

2. Try Familiar Foods

Your child will be more inclined to try new foods when they look similar to the treats they enjoy. If they love chicken fingers, for example, try serving cod in breaded, bite-sized nuggets. If they always order pasta at restaurants, a shrimp alfredo can introduce them to the flavors of fish on a bed of their favorite meal.

3. Opt for Sweet Notes

If your child tries steamed or poached fish, serve the protein with a sweet teriyaki glaze or plum sauce. As many kids have a love for sugary treats, there’s a greater chance they’ll like the food if it comes with a sweet note. You can also serve fish with roasted pineapple, grilled peaches, or additional fruits to make the meal even more nutritious and appetizing.

When you want to take the family out for a meal, visit Papa Rocco's in Gulf Shores, AL. Since 1985, this Italian restaurant is a popular spot for oysters, specialty pizza, and hearty, fresh fare with live entertainment. Find their menu online, connect on Facebook to view food photos, or call (251) 948-7262 to learn more.