Adults understand that each restaurant visit presents an opportunity to try something new. North America is a true melting pot, and people from all over the world brought their customs, cultures and food to the continent.
One can pull up a map of his or her immediate area and likely find restaurants offering Italian, Chinese, Greek, Thai, Eastern Mediterranean, and Mexican foods. Expand the radius further, and there is bound to be a bevy of additional offerings as well. These restaurants bode well for adventurous diners who like to try different flavors. But what about children who tend to be more picky with food? Here are some handy tips for introducing kids to new foods when dining out.
Begin with a taste. Parents should realize it can take a while before kids are willing to eat new foods. According to Judy Delaware, an occupational therapist, feeding specialist, and co-founder of Feeding Littles, kids often prefer textures and tastes they have had before. It can take anywhere from 10 to 15 exposures to certain foods before a child will give it a shot. When dining out, don’t order an entire meal and expect a child to eat it. Rather, adults can offer a bite or two of their own meals to try.
Read the menu together. Let the child learn about the food descriptions and what is in each dish rather than describing the dish as tasty or not. Try to be descriptive when characterizing dishes, using phrases such as “this is creamy” or “this is crunchy.” Curiosity may make kids more inclined to try something new.
Be a role model. Kids often mimic their parents’ behaviors. By trying new foods themselves rather than eating the same thing over and over again, parents can help set a precedent.
Get hands on. Let kids explore and “play” with foods at home to familiarize themselves with the textures, looks and smells of different ingredients. Kids also can go shopping with adults to become acquainted with even more offerings. A study from researchers at the University of Eastern Finland found kindergartners who had hands-on time with fruits and vegetables in their classrooms were more likely to choose these foods from a snack buffet than those who had no such interactions.
Pair unfamiliar foods with favorites. Slowly introduce children to foods at restaurants. For example, rotate new foods so that carrots are accompanying the chicken tenders this time, and perhaps next time the side dish will be mandarin oranges. Add new toppings to pizza. Eventually kids may be more adventurous.
Time it right. Most parents know it is hard to get kids to be cooperative if they are tired or especially hungry. Pick smart times to introduce new foods, such as after naps or when going out to breakfast, as kids will be rested and breakfast foods can be less intimidating.
Children can slowly grow accustomed to trying new foods when dining out, helping entire families expand their restaurant options.
