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Now I will say, as motivated as I felt after reading the book, there's one huge component we’re lacking here in America. Apparently, in France, their schools, governments, and communities all work “together to create food and education systems that support parents in feeding their children well.” I don’t know about you, but I oftentimes feel like others are working against me (not with me) when it comes to feeding our next generation well. My daughters eat more junk food at school than I would ever dream of giving them at home. I can’t imagine how much easier things would be if everyone in our society was on the same page like they appear to be in France.
But rather than waiting around for that to happen we must just take matters into our own hands. And what I have learned from my own children is that converting a picky eater requires a gentle, yet persistent approach and LOTS of patience! Winning over a picky eater is not something that will happen overnight, but if you really make it a priority in weeks, months, or even a year I guarantee you will start to see some of the dramatic changes you are hoping for. And in the end it will of course be worth the effort.
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10 great takeaways (the “French Food Rules”) from the book French Kids Eat Everything:
- Parents: You are in charge of your children’s food education.
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Apparently the French think us Americans cram our schedules so full with activities (like sports, art, music, dance, etc.) that it leaves little time to teach our children "some of the most basic, important things they need to know, like the proper way to prepare, cook, and eat healthy food." You have to admit it's hard to argue with that criticism. And I just love the analogy the author uses when she says, "French parents think about healthy eating habits the way we think about toilet training, or reading." If your child had trouble learning to read or using the potty would you just give up? Same should go for eating a variety of healthy foods...I know, they are right and it stings.
- - Avoid emotional eating. Food is not a pacifier, a distraction, a toy, a bribe, a reward, or a substitute for discipline.
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I feel like we are so far down this rabbit hole it might be hard to get out, but let’s face it they have a good point here! Food is for nourishment, hunger, and nutrition...not for being a good listener.
- - Parents schedule meals and menus. Kids eat what adults eat: no substitutes and no short-order cooking.
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If this were a reality for everyone it would certainly make life a lot easier!
- - Food is social. Eat family meals together at the table, with no distractions.
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How you eat can be as important as what you eat.
- - Eat vegetables of all colors of the rainbow. Don’t eat the same main dish more than once per week.
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I agree that variety is extremely important, but I am personally a little stumped when it comes to the second half of this rule. We love leftovers at our house and feel they are such a time saver...but that certainly means eating the same main dish more than once, or in some cases, more than twice per week!
- - For picky eaters: You don’t have to like it, but you do have to taste it.
For fussy eaters: You don’t have to like it, but you do have to eat it.
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When considering these statements it's also VERY important to remember that "you're not going to convince the kids to love food by being too strict with them. It has to be enjoyable. Not necessarily loads of fun, but simply pleasurable." This takes us back to that "gentle persistence" I mentioned above.
- - Limit snacks, ideally one per day (two maximum), and not within one hour of meals.
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Now, I know out of all the rules on this list that "no more constant snacking" will likely cause the most uproar. But according to the author it's okay to feel hungry in-between meals and guess what...your kids might eat a better dinner if they are actually hungry!
- - Take your time, for both cooking and eating. Slow food is happy food.
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"North Americans associate food most with health and least with pleasure. The French are at the opposite extreme: they are the most pleasure-oriented and the least health-oriented about food." And ironically enough "20 percent of kids in the United States are obese, but only 3 percent in France." Now if that doesn't send a message, I don't know what does.
- - Eat mostly real, homemade food, and save treats for special occasions. (Hint: Anything processed is not “real” food.)
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See...I am not the only one preaching this statement! :) But "so much of what French people eat is, by default, 'real food'" so I'd have to say they don't exactly face the same challenges we do when it comes to encountering junk food on almost every corner. The French do have an admirable approach though when it comes to the processed, junk food their kids may want to eat on occasion. They do not police their children's food intake (or ban all junk food), but instead attempt to "train their children to eat a balanced diet and to realize how much healthier they feel if they eat mostly 'real food.'" I've always said that if my daughters only avoid processed food "because mommy said so" then it's not going to get us very far.
- - (The Golden Rule) Eating is joyful, not stressful. Treat the food rules as habits or routines rather than strict regulations; it’s fine to relax them once in a while.
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I couldn't agree more with the importance of this rule, but striking the perfect balance between "good nutrition" and "relaxing the rules" is no easy task. And maybe that's because most American children are faced with processed, junk food on a regular basis (at birthday parties, friend's houses, church events, soccer practice, school celebrations, etc.). As I mentioned above, our society is (unfortunately) not exactly working together on these issues like they are in France. Regardless though, I agree it is not "healthy" to constantly be stressed out about the food you eat.
In addition to this list of rules there were so many other startling facts and insightful statements that I took away from this book. I wish I could share them all here, but since that's not a very practical idea I will instead just highly recommend that everyone go out and read the book yourselves! I promise you won't regret it...not to mention there are a handful of kid-friendly recipes in the back.
*THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED*
The winners are:
- Ann - "I abide by the kids eat what adults eat rule and don’t offer other options. We also stick to real foods, minimal sugar. So I think that helps kids eat real food without complaint."
- Emily - "My husband can be a picky eater, so my trick is preparing the same food a number of times. He may not like everything, but perseverance pays off!"
- Nicky - "Rule #6 is the big one in our house….even if you’ve tasted it 50 times, taste it again!"
Peggy says
We simply do not have other options. I model the same eating habits I desire in my children. The only 'quick and easy snacks' anyone can find in my house would be veggies, fruits, or nuts! I don't 'hide cookies' or drink sodas behind their backs. We talk about the purpose of food, and get excited about being creative with food. What fulfills our appetite when we are most hungry, and is associated with pleasant memories, that becomes our 'comfort food', so I keep fresh veggies handy, along with salad, and when the kids get impatient for dinner, I always offer a salad to help curb their appetite!
Brittney says
First, GREAT giveaway! I would say that my best picky eater tip is probably to just get your kids involved with their food from the very beginning. Also, having a garden is great too, kids are more likely to eat what they have grown. Our son has always eaten what we eat (Baby led solids/weaning). No pureed baby food... so he started on all different fresh flavors and textures. He also learned to feed himself and self regulate. It has helped tremendously!
mary ann says
my kids participate in choosing healthy meals for dinner, creating the shopping list, buying the items and cooking the dinner. they are part of the process and like cooking and tasting new things.
Evan says
Liked :)
Evan says
Our kids eat the same meal as us, but are still so picky and complain through the entire meal most nights :(
Megan S. says
The trick I use for my picky eater is cutting things into fun shapes. About to try your cheese crackers recipe and think using a cookie cutter might help her actually try them (she has been missing cheezits since they are no longer allowed)
Sarah says
A friend of mine requires her kids to take one "No thank you" bite when eating an undesirable food. Just puts a polite spin on the one-bite requirement. I like it.
Becky L. says
Like :)
Linda says
LIKE!!!
Jennisa says
My three year old must try three bites of something on three separate occasions before she doesn't have to eat it anymore. The only thing she truly doesn't like is tomatoes - everything else she will eat!
Jennisa says
Like :)
Becky L. says
Around 3 yrs old my son started being picky about dinner. We continually encourage him to try the food he "thinks" he doesn't like prepared different ways. Sometimes it's all in the preparation, and sometimes our taste changes over time. And sometimes we just don't like the food! But we must try, try, try!
Karen B says
I tried never to make it a big deal. I did not want them to have a problem with food like I do. And they don't they eat when they are hungry.
Linda says
I think that Jessica Sienfeld's Deliciously Different books are full of great suggestions for adding pureed veggies to foods is a great way to get good nutrient until you can get the kiddos to eat thier veggies!
Erika says
I find that letting my children pick out fruits and veggies from the farmer's market or grocery store helps them be more adventurous at mealtime. And having a backyard garden they can harvest is a huge bonus.
Megan says
like
Erin in AK says
I am a fortunate mom, who has a kid who eats everything we eat! She's 6 years old and regularly requests that I make halibut, roasted cauliflower, pulled pork, pizza with goat cheese, etc for dinner. She loves vegetables of all sorts. I know...I'm the mom a lot of other moms love to hate. But I attribute her love of foods to the fact that since she was old enough to sit at the table with us, she has. And she has been eating the same food we do most of her life. I can't recall a single instance where she was given the opportunity (in our home) to eat something different than her father and I for dinner.
Megan says
Have to take one bite, after that they can choose not to like it.
Nikki says
like!
Nikki says
My fiance was such a picky eater when we first got together, after I figured out what his favorite restaurant and junk food items were I took a cue and started preparing healthy and "real" food options with the same flavor combos! It works great!
Tracy Gregory says
~Like~
Tracy Gregory says
The best tip I have for picky eaters is to Hide it! Cut it really small, or it to food with strong taste so those icky green veggies are as noticeable. :)
Ruth says
I am someone who is desperate to get tips. I have crazy picky girls. The chopstick comment reminded me that I have had success in using toothpicks to get the girls to eat. Food just seems more palatable on a toothpick. Also having some sort of (real food of course) dip todip things in.
Jennifer Clampitt says
My best picky eater tip is to have your child take part in the menu planning and preparation. When kids see how food goes together, the mystery of "where did this come from" is not there. Plus it adds to the family togetherness, empowers them and gives them life skills.
Genny says
Like
Erika says
LIKE
Genny says
I get my daughter involved in the kitchen, when she helps make the food she is more likely to eat it.
Lindsey T says
like
Julie says
Try and try again. And don't make a big deal out of whatever you are serving! Even if you feel nervous about putting the bowl of kale chips in front of your child, never let them see you sweat! If you approach it all in a normal manner, chances are so with your child.
Lindsey says
I make it fun, letting the older kids cook and help prepare and letting the little ones make fun shapes or designs with their veggies!
Jen ~ Mom of 2 says
like
Jen ~ Mom of 2 says
I wish I had a good picky eater tip. It seems like the older my son gets the pickier he gets and it's driving me nuts. I'm hoping this book will help me.
Fawn Simpson says
Like
Suzie says
Our two-and-a-half year old is a pretty good eater - he has eaten whole, organic foods his entire life thus far and he seems to be developing a "normal" and open-minded palate. However, this kid does not like beans! Since spitting out the first bite of hearty bean bake at six-months, he refuses them. However, I continue to expose him to beans as often as I can, and encourage him to give them a try. We also mix it up a little with bean purees and hummus to show that beans are awesome! So far, no luck convincing the lad, but we gently and respectfully continue to encourage him and although we have not yet won the war, I consider the mere fact that he TRIES them occasionally to be a sign of improvement!
Fawn Simpson says
I love putting things in the blender with sauces. Different vegetables go in the blender with all pasta sauces, zucchini, yellow squash, etc. Cauliflower goes in the mashed potatoes. AThose sorts of things help me a lot.
Meggie Kobb says
My kids always need to try one bite of everything on their plates. At first, this was a real ordeal. Lots of wailing, moaning, & gnashing of teeth. But we stuck to our guns, and now it's not usually a big deal. Consistency is really important!
Missy says
like
Tracy Smith says
like!
Missy says
My son is an Aspie and has severe texture issues with food. We try to Introduce uncomfortable textures with his complete knowledge because he is more likely to eat it if he sees what goes into it rather than hiding it.
Kate says
I don't have any tips...that's why I need the book! LOL And I have 3 picky eaters that are 3 years old and under!
Thanks for the info and the giveaway!
Lindsay Shores says
Like!