my 2 cents

[Guest guest]

Hi. I just got back from vacation and wanted to put in my 2 cents on

what you all have been talking about. I have a VERY picky 3 1/2 year

old and I am quite sure it is my fault he is that way. I know that

many kids get to a point where it is like pulling teeth to get him to

try new foods, but right now he will only eat a handful of things

because since my hubbie works so late, it was easier to make my kids

something quick like PB & J or mac-n-cheese than to make them starve

until Daddy came home, and I just usually couldn't start the big

dinner in time to finish it when they were ready to eat (plus that

would mean cold, reheated left-overs for Daddy). Anyway, he has

started trying new foods now and then, but I have to sneak veggies.

My best trick is to make mac-n-cheese and stir in a small jar of

butternut squash baby food. (Good vegan alternative to the cheese

sauce?? I'm not vegan so we use the cheese sauce, too)It's the same

color, so he didn't notice

when I'd add it gradually, and now he eats a bowl of it with a whole

small jar mixed in. He likes muffins, so I can trick him into eating

a carrot or zucchini one now and then. He has started eating pizza,

and I've heard another trick where you can puree veggies (or use baby

food if you are lazy like me) and stir it into the sauce. There are

lots of books out there with cooking-with-kids type of recipes

with " cute " food to try to get your little one to try new things,

like scooping egg salad or pasta salad into an ice cream cone, or

using cookie cutter shapes on sandwiches, or

arranging fruits and veggies on a plate to look like an animal or

funny face. I'd reserve these as weekend or once a week treats so

they don't expect an art form at every meal. I've heard from lots of

mommies that kids are more likely to try something new if they help

pick it at the grocery store and/or if they help prepare it. Good

luck to fellow parents of picky eaters everywhere!!! ~Tammi