Simplay3 Blog

With the holiday season in full swing, the challenge of getting toddlers to eat looms with each meal. The temptations of Halloween candy and the rigidity of Thanksgiving and other holiday meals can lead to some trouble with picky eaters. This habit is very common in toddlers, even normal. With all the routines and new things they experience, trying new foods can be a big obstacle for them. There are many ways to manage this problem and ensure that holiday meals can go off without a hitch, below are a few we can suggest:

Make Sure They Come to the Table Hungry

Holidays often mean the presence of snacks, treats, and sweets that can throw off a toddler's normal routine. Avoiding these snacks when possible will ensure that little ones come to the dinner table ready to eat.

Less is More

Especially if there are new foods present, a big helping of food can be overwhelming for toddlers. Giving them small portions of new foods will make eating them more managable. If the plate ends up clean, you know that your child was well fed and they could request more if they needed.

Be a Role Model

Kids are always watching what we say or do, even for the little things we overlook! If we model healthy eating habits, they will want to do the same. This means putting similar items on your plate as theirs and visibly enjoying them, that way they will know this new food is safe to try.

Let Them Be in Control

You may be responsible for what they eat, but toddlers develop their independence during this time. Putting meals in front of them on their terms by allowing them to communicate what they're smelling, tasting, and feeling helps to demystify what's on their plate.

Keep It Consistent

As frustrating as it may be, making repeated offerings of new foods increases the likelihood of them getting eaten. It's suggested that toddlers will try a new food between 8 and 15 times after being first introduced to it. This has a great deal to do with what we mentioned earlier- putting kids in control of their eating habits helps to make the process go more smoothly.

Get Them Involved

Allowing little ones to take part in holiday traditions that involve food gives them a sense of pride knowing that it is something they had a hand in creating. Whether it be stirring the batter for sugar cookies or placing dinner rolls on a baking sheet, there are many ways to get your child involved. We offer a few options that help make this easy for everyone with products designed with safety in mind. Take a look below to see what would work best in your home!

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