The holidays are such a joyful and exciting time for everyone! We love bringing our family traditions to life and gathering around the table to enjoy all those delicious holiday dishes.
But what happens when you have a little one who won’t touch any of those traditional favorites? Navigating holiday meals with a picky eater can be tricky, but don’t worry!
Here are some friendly tips to help make this festive season a little more enjoyable for everyone and how to prepare your “picky eater” for holiday foods:
Talk about the food
The best way to prepare your picky eater is with good communication. Let your little one know where you’re going and who they’ll be with!
Sharing fun pictures of family and tasty foods can help build excitement. You can also talk about the meals and remind them of table manners.
Remember, if they don’t want something, encourage them to say, “No, thank you.” If you’re going to a family dinner and you’re worried about their reaction, let the host know in advance that they’re working on trying new foods and see if you can bring a dish they’ll enjoy.
What also helps is getting your child involved in selecting and preparing some foods for the holiday. Try out different dishes at home beforehand, turning them into a game—like sliding through cranberry sauce or making mashed potato mustaches!
If possible, check what the host will serve and share that with your child. Knowing what to expect can help ease any nerves and make them more open to trying new things!
A good thing when trying to have your picky eater try out new things is always to have a backup plan. If you’re bringing food to a holiday gathering, why not bring a dish you know your child loves? This way, you can be sure there’s something tasty on the table that they’ll enjoy.
Think of it as a “safe food” for your little one! This way, they can join in on the holiday fun without any worries. This can also create some curiosity when sitting around the table eating with family to try new things once they see everyone else eating new things too.
Feed them before
While the holidays can be super exciting, all that energy and changes in routine can make it tough for picky eaters to enjoy their meals. Since kids often encounter special foods they only see during the holidays, it can be hard for them to try new dishes.
To make mealtimes easier, serve your picky eater their favorite meal before the main event and include something on the holiday table that they like. If you’re worried they might not eat enough, feeding them ahead of time and having some snacks ready is a good idea!
It’s perfectly fine for them to munch on their preferred foods before the feast. Just make sure their meal is balanced with protein, carbs, and fruits or veggies.
During the holiday meal, let them enjoy their favorite foods without pressure to try everything. A special plate or utensil they like might also help make the meal feel more comfortable. With a little preparation, you can create a relaxed and enjoyable experience for your child!
Let others know about food difficulties
If you’ve been navigating food challenges for a while, you might have experienced well-meaning relatives offering advice or calling you a “picky eater.” It’s important to remember that who your child is as a person goes far beyond your eating habits.
They have hobbies, dreams, and goals that make them unique! Try to sit next to someone who’s supportive and appreciates all the wonderful things about them.
If there’s someone you trust at the event, consider reaching out to them before it starts and ask if they could sit with your child. Stand strong and be your child’s biggest advocate!
Have realistic expectations
When it comes to trying new foods during the holidays, remember not to stress out too much! The goal is to gently encourage your child to explore new tastes and experiences without any pressure.
If they aren’t interested in a particular dish, the holiday meal isn’t the best time to push it.
Keep in mind that holiday meals often feature special foods that we might not see often. These dishes can have strong smells or unique textures that might feel overwhelming, making it tricky to explore new options. And that’s perfectly okay!
Holidays are special moments that you can prepare for, and remember, if they turn out to be a bit more challenging than you hoped, it doesn’t mean you’re taking a step backward. Enjoy the time spent together and the memories made!
Celebrations are such a fun and exciting time! Take a moment to shake off any stress, especially if you’re dealing with a picky eater. Remember, it’s your holiday too! So, try to stay calm, take a deep breath, and enjoy the festivities as much as possible—even with the kids running around!
If you’d like some tips on supporting your child’s speech and feeding journey at home, feel free to check out our Contact page. We would love to help you, so schedule a consultation with one of our friendly professionals today!
Have a wonderful time!