From the age of 12 months - 2 and a half, Darcy was a really fussy eater only eating about 4-5 different foods. It drove me mad and I was constantly looking for ways of how to get her to try different foods but seemed as though she had gained a fear towards anything she didn't really recognise.
I know I wasn't the only one who had this problem because after googling and doing some research it turns out a lot of other parents are in the same boat. Fast forward 6 months and Darcy is now (i think, and I hope) a lot lot better than she was with food so I believe this was just a phase some children go through. However, at the time I did find it very difficult so I'd like to share some of the things I learnt as well as tips I picked up from fellow bloggers when I asked.
1. Patience is the key. This is definitely a trait that comes in handy no matter what what aspect of parenting however throughout the fussy eating period it helped.
2. Praise. When they do eat, make sure you make them realise what a fabulous thing they've done.
3. Timing. Something I found was that Darcy was unlikely to eat when she was in a bad mood so when she was tired. I always found bringing her meal time earlier she was more likely to give different foods ago.
4. Don't Rush. Again similar to above but rushing will create stress for you and then like point 1. you'll run out of patience..it seems like it is just one big circle.
Like I said, I asked some fellow bloggers for there perfect tips.
Always put something you know they will eat, alongside something they may not be so enthusiastic about. That way you know they've eaten something, you don't have to go into battle and eventually you'll notice them starting to eat the whole plate. Power struggles are real for toddlers!!! Even if they don't eat your choice for ages, one day they will - Hayley
Take them to a pick-your-own farm. Them actually picking the food might encourage them to take a bite - my picky eater ate some corn this way. Also. Ketchup makes pretty much any vegetable palatable! - Irina
Try to eat together as a family. Kids like to copy parents and siblings and they just might try some of the different foods! - Raimonda
Get them to help you cook the meal. My toddler is always a lot more excited to try things that she 'made'. - Leanne
Make the plate look fun. My middle was very fussy eating but I started to do funny faces on the plate, with the foods and she would eventually start eating it. I cut the food up into different shapes and size, made it bright and colourful too. - Beth
I stick spinach, broccoli and celery in a smoothie for my little one and then I had fruit juice and lots of fruit and frozen yoghurt. He drinks it, has no idea and I cackle every single time haha - Carla
I think the one reassuring thing to take away from this is that you're really not alone. There is plenty of other parents out there with the same problem and one thing people used to tell me although not sure if its helpful or not but 'When they're hungry, they'll eat.'
Amelia
xxx
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