Steps
- Apologize to your children for any negative behavior regarding food on your part. For example, if you have, in the past, taken away privileges unrelated to food (for example, computer time) then this is the time to say you're sorry and you won't do this again. Food should be related to food and nothing else, unless you want to continue the battles.
- Create a new rule such as "If you don't finish what's for dinner, you don't get dessert." Explain this rule to your children well in advance of mealtime so they will be prepared.
- Plan your menus so you include some of your children's favorites so they know you do care about what they think. For example, if you know your child's favorite food is macaroni & cheese then ask him or her which vegetable from a choice of a few he or she would like with it.
- Involve your children in the cooking. Even if it is something as simple as turning on the cold water, it's amazing what foods kids will eat if they feel they have cooked it themselves.
- Refuse to battle with your children during meal times by offering an alternative vegetable such as a chopped up raw carrot with dressing. Do not, however, allow them dessert if they go for the alternative. This has the dual effect of assuring they eat healthy and that whatever they are passing up is truly disliked.
- Thank your children for a wonderful mealtime.
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