Adding some fun to your family table can also help curb picky eating! To pump up the joy in your kitchen, try these age-by-age tips from Anne K. Fishel, Ph.D., author of “Home for Dinner: Mixing Food, Fun, and Conversation for a Happier Family and Healthier Kids.”
LITTLE DINERS
Ages 1 to 3
Children are very aware of their own smallness, which often makes them delighted by other small things, including food. Try cutting sandwiches into minis. Accompany them with teeny pops: Pour 100 percent juice or yogurt into an ice tray, cover with foil, then insert a cake pop stick into each cube.
Experiment with giant foods too. Instead of many silver dollar pancakes, for instance, serve up a huge one to share.
GROWING EATERS
Ages 4 to 5
When the kids are hungry and waiting for the main course, lay out a variety of colorful cut-up raw veggies — and a challenge. Shout out a theme, like faces, vehicles, or homes, and have the kids use peppers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and more to create edible art. Once the designs are done, admire or snap a photo, then chow down before the next challenge. (Bonus: Research shows that serving vegetables as a first course increases kids’ consumption of produce.)
DINING DYNAMOS
Ages 6+
Encourage some performance art at the table. Have each family member select a different food item from their meal to serve as inspiration for a silly haiku. (Remember: It’s five, seven, then five syllables.) It’s a great way to slow everyone down as they focus attention on colors, aromas, and tastes. If you’re not into poetry, play a few rounds of Would You Rather — Food Edition. Take turns asking each person questions like “Would you rather eat frog legs or snails?” Or: “Would you rather eat hot dogs at every meal or never eat them again?” Laugh riots guaranteed!
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MORE FUN
Another way to make dinner an event? Dress up in your finest jewelry!
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