I think one of the biggest eating struggles a parent has is getting kids to eat vegetables. Overall, my boys are pretty good about eating vegetables. It has not always been that way though!
Tips for getting kids to eat vegetables:
- Offer a variety of vegetables. When the kids go grocery shopping with me I let them pick some of the items from the produce department. Sometimes they shock me- like my 4 year old begging for broccoli!
- If they don’t like cooked vegetables, let them try raw vegetables and visa versa. My boys like broccoli lightly steamed but not raw.
- Keep trying. It takes several times for kids to accept new foods. Even if my child didn’t like the item the first time, I keep putting it on their plate. Eventually they try it again. My 4 year old is great about trying something new now- we’ve even made into a weekly activity.
- Get your children involved in the growing process. We have a vegetable garden each Spring and Summer. My boys love watching their food grow- plus it tastes better!
- Let the kids dunk veggies in a sauce or a dip. Ranch is always a favorite at my house! The boys like cucumbers and baby carrots in ranch dressing.
- If your child is really objectionable to vegetables, you can make purees and then add those to recipes. The Sneaky Chef or Deceptively Delicious have great recipes for using purees.
- Keep vegetables readily available. If my kids want a snack before dinner, I try to give them fruit or a vegetable. Baby carrots, snap peas, cucumbers and grape tomatoes are our favorite vegetable snack.
- Be a good example! I know this is a tough one! If you eat your vegetables, your kids will too. This is something that hubby has really been working on. I have to remind him almost every night to put vegetables on his plate. He doesn’t mind them- he just prefers other items!
What are your tips for getting your kids to eat their vegetables?
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Renae is a married working mom of two handsome boys. She works as a registered dental hygienist by day and blogs here at How to Have it All by night. She enjoys cooking from scratch, working in her vegetable garden and functional training.
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get them involved- if you can empower them with the plants and growing a garden together..or have them shop with you- at farmers market/etc
Hi Sandy! Yes, a garden is wonderful for getting kids involved and loving veggies. We have a large garden and my boys love helping. They are eating snap peas straight from the garden these days. Can’t believe I forgot that one for this post! Thanks for the reminder!