Control
It’s interesting that when families let go of control, children will over time be more adventurous with food. Often parents are locked in power struggles in the one area the child knows you care about a lot- how much they eat. How much they eat fills conversations, it’s overheard as you might tell others. Less talk is best.
Timing
Be careful not to leave meals until your child is too tired or over excited. I often find children eat more at lunch time rather than at an evening meal.
Shhh…
Engage in a quiet activity just before dinner and establish connection through touch, eye contact and being present with them before the rush of the evening kicks in.
Connect
It’s possible that meal times have been a bit stressful in the past as you have tried to get your child to eat more etc. Create a new feeling for your child around food- associate meals with happy social times and a chance to connect without negative feelings.
Together
Get the children involved in baking and making smoothies or juices. The goal is for them to associate themselves as “adventurous” and make positive connections with food rather than something they feel forced to endure sometimes.