Having your child push away your homemade Kentucky burgoo can be devastating. However, getting your kids and vegetable soup acquainted with one another is an absolute necessity. It’s a bowl packed with vitamins, minerals, and everything your child needs to feel full and healthy. You may be wondering, “How do I get my child to eat soup this winter?” Here are some ways to get your kids to try a broth-y bowl while avoiding dinnertime drama.
Do Children Really Dislike Soup?
Some children are not fond of soup. They may also dislike other foods such as nuts, vegetables and seafood. Picky eating is a habit established as early as 4 years of age, just before preschool years. You should intervene as early as possible to ensure your kids grow more accustomed to different foods.
However, it’s essential to take a careful approach when you’re trying to get your child to eat soup. While you’re used to the sensation and taste, it’s new territory for your kid. Be gentle to avoid the possibility of traumatic or disordered eating.
How Do I Get My Child to Eat Soup?
As a prelude to making soup for your child, talk to them about why eating it is essential. If your kid is at an age where they can understand, tell them you love them and want them to be healthy. Explain the benefits of certain broths and stews on their body and why they should eat them.
It can take a while for them to come around, but your kid can understand where you’re coming from and decide they’ll take the leap.
1. Pick a Good Recipe
To get your child to eat soup, you first need to make something they’d like. While you know your kid better than anyone, invite them into brainstorming and meal planning. Offer up different suggestions and see what they’d prefer.
For instance, sell them on the idea of a delicious crispy chicken gumbo. Distinguishable Southern-style chicken and Cajun flavors offer familiar elements to look forward to. Make it a key stepping stone for them to try this hearty stew.
2. Communicate on Consistency
Kids’ preference for consistency is a big part of why they don’t like soup. You may notice it when they try other dishes, as some kids just don’t enjoy thicker liquids or chunks. Ask them about what they like and what they don’t.
If your kid is a fan of creamier liquids, consider making vegetable soup that’s been pureed with coconut milk. Children who prefer food with a thinner consistency may find a nice chicken consomme right up their alley.
3. Let Them Add Toppings
Adding different toppings, from bacon bits to pork slices, makes soup appealing. Mushrooms, spinach, broccoli and cheese are also good add-ons. It’s a fantastic way to get as much protein as possible. Unfortunately, more than 90% of American kids consume less than the recommended amount of veggies each day.
Make it a fun activity and let them in the kitchen. Some children may feel more inclined to eat a certain food item when they’ve helped make it. Allow them to choose what toppings to add to their soup. Suggest a vegetable or two to add to the mix.
4. Buy Nice Cutlery
Most kids love cakes and ice cream because of how attractive they look. You don’t need to build up a whole soup fountain with veggies and croutons on the side, but try to exert more effort in presenting your liquid gold. For instance, a bowl with pretty colors and designs can entice younger children to try food.
5. Offer a Side Dish
Another reason why children may feel less inclined to try your soup is because it’s the only thing on the table. It suggests they are forced to eat it, so offer a few other options. For example, presenting tomato soup with grilled cheese can feel much more inviting than the soup on its own.
6. Provide Positive Reinforcement
Your child is going out of their comfort zone to try something new. Giving them a pat on the back for eating soup is important, as it makes the experience more positive. Positive reinforcement will likely encourage them to try more new things, so offer a hug or extra phone time. Stickers and toys are also motivating.
7. Try Again
Giving your kids soup or any type of new food is not a one-and-done deal. It takes around 10 whole tries or more for a child to accept or reject food. Gauge their reaction and offer up the soup again. While there’s a chance they may say no to it, there’s also the possibility of them asking for seconds.
Make Soup, Not War
Soup is a wonderful food option for you and your family to enjoy, especially on blustery winter days. Ease your child into trying different recipes until they find something that pleases their palate. With time, patience and effort, they can decide whether they love it or if it’s simply not for them.
