Kids can be notoriously picky eaters, and unfortunately, many of their favorite foods aren’t always the healthiest options. Not only that, but kids will often outright refuse to eat certain nutritious foods. Case in point? Seafood. Fish and shellfish might be packed with nutrients, but the texture, smell, and taste isn’t always appealing to young palates. You can help your kids develop a taste for his, though, with a few tricks.

5 Tips for Serving Your Kids Seafood

1. Be Patient

For many kids, it takes trying new foods several times before they decide that they like it. Experts say it can take offering seafood or other new dishes 10 to 15 times before your child will try it or eat it without complaint. This means you need to be consistent, and offer new foods multiple times before giving up and defaulting back to old favorites.

2. Offer Mild Fish

Some fish have a milder flavor than others, and are therefore more appealing to developing tastes. Cod, halibut, and haddock are good choices for kids, as they don't have as much of a “fishy” flavor and are less likely to have bones. When they find a type of fish they like and have a good experience, they’ll be less likely to resist other seafood in the future.

3. Make It Kid Friendly

Although serving fish baked, grilled, or poached is usually the healthiest option, kids might balk at a plain filet on their plate. Serving fish in a more kid-friendly way, like breaded “fish fingers” or in tacos will make it more appealing to young tastebuds. Offering plenty of familiar dipping sauces, such as ketchup and ranch dressing, can help kids get used to the texture of fish.

4.Tie It To Good Memories

Tying food to specific memories, such as a vacation or a fun excursion, can help kids make positive associations at home. Encourage your kids to try new foods when you are away from home, and play up the connection when you make a similar dish. For instance, if your kids gobble up fried trout on vacation,  remind them of how much they liked it when you serve trout for dinner on a regular weeknight.

5. Get Them Involved

When kids make food themselves, they are more likely to eat it. So bring them into the kitchen, and let them help you prepare fish for dinner. Even very young children can sprinkle on seasonings or help you get dinner into the pan. They’ll think they made it themselves, and be excited to eat it.

For seafood the whole family will love, head to Barefoot Island Grill in Orange Beach, AL. With fresh, delicious dishes made from scratch every day, this family-friendly restaurant local bar and grill delights both locals and visitors alike. For more information about daily specials and new menu items, call (251) 256-0055 visit their website to check out their full menu.