Don’t worry if your child refuses to eat foods they never tried before, this is normal for young children. They may be afraid of the color, shape, or the way some foods feel in their mouth. This behavior will pass.

In the meantime, make family meals enjoyable and avoid mealtime battles.

Try the following tips:

  1. Go to the market and let your children pick some fruits and vegetables.
  2. Prepare meals together, then have them set the table.
  3. Cook the same meal for the whole family.
  4. Let them serve themselves, just remind them to start with a small portion.
  5. Encourage your children to try new foods by asking them to take at least one bite.
  6. Don’t force your children to eat if they are not willing to try something new; if you do, you could lose their trust.
  7. Offer a paper napkin to spit out food they do not like.
  8. If your children decide that they don’t like a particular food, say “thanks for trying it, maybe you’ll like it next time”.
  9. Be a good role model by trying new foods yourself!
Weigel, D. 2022, Eat Smart Be Active - Tips to Help Your Picky Eater, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Printable    Version    (PDF)

Authors of this scholarly work are no longer available.

Please contact Extension's Communication Team for assistance.

 

Also of Interest:

 
girl playing with cardboard
Let's Discover STEM: Five-Year Report 2017-2022 Nevada Sustainable Communities Project
A seven-week workshop targeting children in at-risk communities in Las Vegas & Reno-Sparks to promote STEM topics and the results of said workshop.
 Weigel, D., Kim, Y., and Evans, B. 2022, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP-22-01
Teaching Young Children About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
It is important to teach your child about diversity, equity and inclusion. It is so important to help your children learn how to embrace diversity in a way that is respectful and celebrates different cultures, backgrounds and experiences.
 YaeBin Kim 2021, University of Nevada, Reno, Extension, FS-21-96
kids reading e-book
E-Books for Young Children Kim, Y. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
learning to talk
Toddler Language Development
During the toddler years (12 to 35 months), children’s language development grows rapidly. Toddlers gain the ability to say words clearly, combine words into phrases, and express their needs and wants.
 Byington, T. and Kim, Y. 2015, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet-15-05
Children in the Digital Age
Young Children in the Digital Age
In the 21st century, babies to school-age children are digital consumers, often using TV, computers, gaming systems, even smartphones and tablets. This fact sheet explains possible concerns and benefit associated with children's media use and suggest what parents/caregivers can d...
 Kim, Y. 2013, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-22