It’s the classic scenario: your child cleans their plate but leaves the broccoli, spinach or peas. In an effort to keep them healthy and get them to try something new, you as the parent insist they eat their greens, only to find yourself in a battle of wills that doesn’t end well for anyone.

These dinnertime battles can be frustrating and discouraging for both parents and children, but luckily there are several creative approaches to these types of situations that may prevent them from ending in tears or a shouting match.

  1. Suggest alternatives. If your child doesn’t like a certain type of food or vegetable, suggest other healthy options they can choose instead.
  2. Play a game while eating. Offer to play a game or do something fun while your child eats their vegetables.
  3. Try a different dip or sauce. Maybe your child doesn’t like the flavor of plain broccoli, but would love it dipped in a ranch or garlic butter sauce.
  4. Serve the vegetables first. By serving vegetables first, your child won’t have the chance to fill up on other food items and might have more of an appetite for the greens.
  5. Introduce role models. Find a children’s book or show that talks about the concept of nutrition and eating healthy fruits and vegetables. Or find a public figure the child looks up to who promotes healthy eating.
  6. Talk about nutrition. Children love to learn and ask questions. Try having a conversation about food and the role it plays in making the body healthy and strong. Even young children can understand the concepts of vitamins and minerals and how eating them will help them grow.
  7. Share how you’re feeling. If you’re honest with your child about your frustration, sadness or fear, they may be more willing to work with you. You can even be honest about the fact that there are certain foods you yourself don’t like or have not always liked.

If you have a picky eater on your hands, you are certainly not alone, and your child refusing to eat certain foods is not a reflection on your parenting skills. Instead of escalating tension with the power and punishment game, see if you can muster up a little more patience and try one of these alternative approaches.

Follow our Best Local Chef blog for more information about food and nutrition as well as great recipes.