Adding Variety to Your Picky Eater's Diet

Often children will ask for the same foods over and over again as part of their routine. For children that don't have a problem stepping outside of that box, say, when it comes to going to a friend's house for dinner or going out to a restaurant this may not pose too much of a problem. However, for the child that cannot 'step out of the box' when it comes to different environments where their food preferences are not available, there may be an underlying sensory issue.
There are several ways to try and entice your child to become a more adventurous eater. This may require you, as the parent, to expand your food preferences as well. Modeling is a good way to start off this journey. Humans are social beings and model behavior after each other which means if you eat it, your child is more likely to eat it. Getting kids into the kitchen to help prepare a meal is another way to get kids involved in the entire occupation of meal preparation and sharing. Kids are much more likely to try something that they have prepared themselves. You can also invite your child's friends over to share in the experience (check if this is okay with your child first and have him/her choose the friend).
Can't think of something new, fun and exciting to prepare? Look through cook books, walk through farmers' markets, scour the internet. There are recipes everywhere!

There are a few important things to remember when trying to expand the picky eater's diet.

1. Don't force them to eat anything that they are not ready to eat. This will discourage them from wanting to try new things in the future. If they are not willing to eat it see if your child will allow the new food on their plate, touch it to their lips, lick it, or place it on their tongue.
2. It takes over 12 times to try something before you decide if you like it. So if your child does not prefer something right away, that is okay. Reintroduce it at another time.
3. Eating is a sensory experience. By providing your child with sensory activities daily (such as playdoh, sand play, water play, fingerpaints, shaving cream, silly putty, glitter, glue activities) can help decrease tactile sensitivities.
4. A positive attitude can go a long way! Don't get caught up in what your child doesn't eat but rather give them praise for trying new things.