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Dealing with a persistently picky eater can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating experience, especially during dinner time. It’s important to strike a balance between accommodating their preferences and maintaining your sanity as the cook. While it may seem daunting, there are effective strategies that can help you navigate these mealtime challenges.
Here are seven practical tips to help you please a persistently picky eater at dinner, ensuring a more harmonious and enjoyable dining experience for everyone involved.
1. Know Their Preferences
Understand the specific foods your picky eater likes and dislikes. Plan meals around their favorite foods as much as possible without going to extreme lengths. This approach helps to ensure they have something they will eat, reducing mealtime stress.
For example, if they love chicken nuggets, incorporate them into the weekly meal plan but balance it with other family favorites to keep everyone happy.
2. Gently Push Boundaries
Continually encourage them to try new foods by gently pushing their boundaries. Introduce new items alongside familiar favorites in small, non-intimidating portions.
Praise them for any effort they make to try new foods, even if they don’t like them right away. Over time, this can help expand their palate without making them feel pressured.
3. Empower Them to Cook
Stock up on easy-to-make meals that they enjoy, such as microwaveable options or simple recipes. Allowing them to prepare their own meals can give them a sense of independence and control over their food choices.
This way, they can still dine with the family while eating what they prefer. For example, have ingredients for a basic pasta dish they can make themselves while you prepare the main family meal.
4. Flexible Eating Times
If appropriate for their age, consider letting them eat on their own schedule if they are preparing their own meals. This flexibility can help avoid mealtime conflicts and make them more willing to participate in family meals. However, be cautious with this option for younger children, as regular family meals are important for developing healthy eating habits.
5. Involve Them in Meal Planning
Involve your picky eater in the meal planning process. When planning meals, look for opportunities to compromise. For example, if they like spaghetti but dislike mushrooms, prepare a separate portion of the sauce without mushrooms.
This makes it easier for them to enjoy family meals without fuss. Let them suggest meal ideas and be part of the grocery shopping process to give them a sense of ownership over their meals.
6. Be Patient and Encouraging
Recognize that changing eating habits takes time and that their tastes will evolve. Stay positive and supportive throughout the process. Share personal anecdotes to help them see that tastes can change over time.
For instance, even as a middle-aged adult, I still find myself trying new things and discovering that I like them. I started liking avocados five years ago and black olives even more recently.
A person’s palate can change throughout their life due to factors such as aging, exposure to new foods, hormonal changes, health conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits.
7. No Short-Order Cooking
Set strict guidelines for meals and make it clear that you are not a short-order cook. Encourage them to handle their own preferences within those limits.
Establish clear boundaries to prevent mealtime from becoming a constant battle of catering to individual demands. This approach fosters independence and reduces stress for the cook.
