Getting plenty of vegetables is an important part of staying healthy due to all the vitamins and minerals vegetables contain. However, many kids have a hard time eating vegetables or even enjoying them. As a parent, it’s important to find ways to encourage them to eat their vegetables.
Find the Ones You Like
There is a large variety of vegetables out there, so you just need to find the ones that your kids will like. The best way to do this is to start trying them. You can make a game of it which will make things easier for you and more fun for your kids. Start buying different vegetables and have your kids try them. After a while, you’re sure to find the ones they enjoy. In addition to finding vegetables they like, you also need to find out how they like them prepared. Some kids prefer steamed vegetables. Others like them sautéed or even raw. As you try different kinds, also prepare them differently so your child can see what they like.
Present Them as Snack Choices
Another way to get your kids to eat more vegetables is to offer them more often. If you only give kids vegetables at dinner, then it can be harder to get used to them. Throughout the day, offer vegetables as snacks. This can help to make them a more common food in your home and your kids can grow accustomed to eating vegetables throughout the day. As well as giving your kids nutrients, vegetables can also benefit them in other ways. Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery are great for naturally cleaning teeth. Having a few veggies as a snack can help refresh your child’s teeth during the day.
Involve Your Child In Cooking
Obviously, you should only have your child help you cook when you believe they are an appropriate age for it. You don’t want any accidents or injuries. If you feel comfortable, ask your child to help you as you prepare and cook vegetables. Allowing them to help can show them what goes into preparing vegetables and they can learn different ways to cook them. Additionally, your child will be proud of the work they’ve done and will be more excited to eat the vegetables since they helped make them.
It can be a challenge to get your kids to eat vegetables, but it’s not impossible. You simply need to find an approach that works best for you and your child. Try a combination of strategies as you encourage your kids to eat more vegetables.
Check out this article on common unhealthy diet habits among kids!
