It is rare that a child who joins our daycare at 12 months or older is a good vegetable eater. Yet when we have them as part of our family from a younger age they are vegetable fans!
There are several obvious factors:
1.Vegetables need to be treated as an important ingredient in the family meals.
2.The parents need to be seen eating and enjoying them as a consistent diet component.
3.Do not let family history influence your decision if they were absent as a food group when you were growing up. We are now better educated as to their value.
4.Do not serve your child their favorite foods first and then expect them to be excited by their least favorite.
What To Do
1.Have your child sit at the table as soon as they can sit up in a high chair that is placed at the table. This is usually around 6 to 9 months.
2.To begin their meal, offer them small pieces of whatever vegetables have been prepared. It is ideal if they can pick up the pieces themselves and take responsibility for eating them. If they need assistance, provide it as long as necessary but as soon as they are capable, let them take over.
3.Make sure all vegetables have been steamed or prepared in a way that can be managed safely.
4.Ideally you will start with the green vegetables which usually have a stronger, less sweet taste. Once they are enjoying and are successful with them, you can add in the sweeter ones.
5.You will be amazed at how quickly your child will be eating an adequate quantity of vegetables to satisfy their complete requirement.
6.This approach is invaluable as the basis of their transition to regular food to complete their diet. It will be seamless.
With all the nutritional information now available, it is evident how important vegetables are to a balanced diet.
It is so important that your child grow up on a well balanced diet!
Good luck!
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