Feeding Your Child: 6 Easy Tips for Less Hassle

As a parent, you understand the importance of feeding your child well. However, the process can often be challenging and leave you feeling helpless. It’s easy to fall into the trap of worrying about your child’s eating habits, but this can hinder your progress. Instead, try these six easy tips for less hassle during feeding time.

1. Make Your Child Feel Part of the Family
One of the most effective ways to acclimate your child to eating is to include them in family meals. Allocating a separate time to feed your child may seem easier, but it can hinder their association with eating. By including your child at the dinner table with you and your family, they’ll see others eating and be more likely to follow suit. Start including your child at the dinner table, whether on your lap or in a high chair, to make them feel part of the family.

2. Share Your Food with Your Child
Sharing mealtimes with your child can make life so much easier. Many parents tend to prepare food separately for their children or give them food that is entirely different. However, sharing food with your child can normalize eating habits for them. Even just tasting the food you are giving your child encourages them to eat it. Your child will be more likely to eat with less fuss and be more accustomed to the idea of eating.

3. Talk to Your Child About Food
Make it a conscious effort to speak and talk about food. Mention the names of the different foods, tell them whether it’s hot or cold, or just talk about eating. Tell them it will make them big or strong and make them happier. Even if they are not at an age where they understand, it can still be effective and make them more likely to eat and even enjoy it.

4. Put Small Amounts of Unwanted Food Regularly
If your child does not like a certain type of food like vegetables or meat, add a few pieces to their plate every day and try not to make a fuss about them. Even if your child ignores the alien pieces of broccoli or chicken, keep persisting until the time will arrive when your child will show interest.

5. Give Your Child a Spoon Immediately
The sooner you give your child a spoon, the quicker they will get used to it. Whether they start eating with it or not, just give them the spoon so that they can get used to holding it and it’s not an unfamiliar object when they do start eating.

6. Create a Happy Environment
Your stress and attitude can project onto your children, so keep a happy and inviting environment during dinner time. Smile and create a positive atmosphere. Reassure them, and make them feel comfortable during the whole meal. This will be really beneficial in the future.

In conclusion, these easy tips can help make feeding your child less of a hassle. Patience is key – don’t let the process get to you. You will always have ups and downs, but you can always keep a smile on your face for your little one, no matter how frustrating the situation may be. Happy eating!