When it comes to fussy eaters, one of the trick I have up my sleeves is giving children choices.
Scenario:
I don't want to eat carrots!
Rather than forcing them to eat, engaging in a power struggle where both parties end up frustrated, I respectfully offer:
"Ok, you choose: would you like to eat 3 pieces or 5 pieces?"
They usually would choose 3. But occasionally, a child who likes the number 5 (or perhaps can't differentiate more or less) would choose 5!
Sometimes, they negotiate. 2!
Ok, but 2 BIG pieces.
Win-Win!
The thing is, as adults, there are certain things we do not eat either. No one is ever going to force me to eat bitter-gourd! That's why I believe that we should not force the children to eat what they do not like. Of course, we encourage them to try. We encourage them to eat a bit, even if they don't like the taste.
The other day, I tried something at the spur of the moment.
"OK, if you don't like the carrot, how about you close your eyes when you eat it. I'll mix it with some chicken. You won't taste it!"
Surprisingly, it worked!
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