POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 7 m old boy11 months agoA. It's common for toddlers to be selective about their food preferences, and many kids show a preference for dry or fried foods over wet items like curry or rasam rice. Here are some strategies to help encourage your child to eat a wider variety of foods:
1. Gradual Introduction: Start by gradually introducing small amounts of wet foods alongside familiar dry foods. For example, you can mix a little bit of curry or rasam into rice or serve it on the side, allowing your child to explore the flavors at their own pace.
2. Pairing with Favorites: Combine wet foods with your child’s favorite dry items. For instance, serve curry with chapati or bread that they already enjoy, so the familiar taste encourages them to try the new food.
3. Involvement in Cooking: Involve your child in meal preparation. Let them help wash vegetables or mix ingredients. When children participate in the cooking process, they may be more inclined to try the food they helped make.
4. Make It Fun: Present meals in a fun way. Use colorful plates, arrange food into shapes, or create faces with the food. Engaging their imagination can make the meal more appealing.
5. Offer Choices: Give your child choices between two or three different foods. This allows them to feel in control and may make them more willing to try something new.
6. Model Eating Behavior: Eat together as a family and model eating a variety of foods. Your child is more likely to try new foods if they see you enjoying them.
7. Consistency and Patience: Keep offering wet foods regularly without pressure. It may take several exposures for your child to accept new flavors and textures.
8. Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child when they try new foods, even if they only take a small bite. Positive reinforcement can help build a more adventurous eating attitude.
9. Monitor for Sensitivities: If your child consistently refuses wet foods and shows signs of discomfort (such as gagging or pushing food away), it may be worth consulting a pediatrician or a pediatric nutritionist to rule out any underlying issues like texture aversions or allergies.
It's important to remember that many toddlers go through phases of selective eating, and it doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. With time, patience, and creativity, your child may gradually become more open to trying a wider range of foods.
Post Answer