Is mealtime a battlefield at your house? Do you find yourself battling a tiny tyrant who turns their nose up at anything green (or anything that isn't chicken nuggets)? You're not alone! Many parents struggle with picky eaters, but what if I told you the solution wasn't about force-feeding or hiding veggies? It's about engaging all eight senses!
Yes, you heard right, EIGHT! Not just the five you learned in elementary school. According to pediatric feeding expert Melanie Potock (who is way smarter than me!), we need to think beyond taste and tap into sight, touch, smell, sound, and three other hidden sensory powerhouses: vestibular, proprioception, and interoception.
Let’s break down how to use each of these senses to transform your little one's relationship with food:
Visual Appeal: It's Not Just About the Taste
Ever heard the saying "we eat with our eyes?" Turns out, it's true! The way food looks matters to kids. Present food in fun, engaging ways. Try cutting sandwiches into fun shapes, arranging veggies in a rainbow pattern, or even letting your little one help arrange the plate. Let them see a variety, even if it's just a small spoonful of something new. A single colorful bean can be the first step to a more adventurous palate!
Tactile Adventures: Get Hands-On!
Don't be afraid to let your kids play with their food (within reason, of course!). Let them help with washing, peeling, chopping, and creating food art. This hands-on experience allows them to connect with the food in a new way and it integrates the texture of the food into their experience. The more familiar they get with how a food feels, the more likely they are to try it.
The Power of Smell: Aromatic Exploration
There's a lot more to smell than meets the nose. When a food is in our mouth, it interacts with our saliva and creates a different smell that is different to smelling it at a distance. Keep this in mind when trying new things, and ensure children brush their teeth before trying something new to give the most authentic smell. Be sure to involve your kids in smelling the spices as you are cooking too, to enhance their awareness!
Sound Sensations: The Surprising Symphony of Eating
Did you know the sounds around us can impact taste? This is a new area of research, but it is interesting to note how a loud chaotic environment can disrupt the experience of eating. Try to ensure you eat in a calm environment.
Taste Matters (But It's Not Everything!)
Yes, taste is important, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. The combination of taste and smell is actually what we call flavor, and this is where kids struggle. Keep introducing new foods with different cooking methods and spices. A roasted carrot tastes completely different from a raw carrot. The more variation the better!
The Hidden Senses: Unlocking the Puzzle
Now for the secret weapons – the senses you might not know are playing a role in your child's eating habits:
- Vestibular Sense (Balance): Is your child sitting comfortably at the table? If they are fidgeting or hanging their feet, they may be struggling. Make sure your little one is comfortable while they are eating.
- Proprioception (Body Awareness): Clumsy at the table? Kids who struggle with knowing where their body is in space might need help from an occupational therapist. Sometimes, that clumsiness affects how they use utensils or interact with food.
- Interoception (Internal Signals): Does your child recognize when they are hungry or full? Helping kids tune into their body's signals is an important part of developing a healthy relationship with food.
Ready to Turn Your Kitchen into a Sensory Playground?
Engaging all eight senses can seem daunting, but remember, it's about creating a positive and fun experience with food. It’s about empowering kids to become adventurous eaters who appreciate nutritious foods!
Want to make it even easier?
Check out koalacook: Get kids enjoying creative and nutritious cooking for a fun way to get your kids involved in the kitchen and loving healthy food. Our app makes cooking an exciting game, with age-appropriate recipes and tips to boost your child's culinary confidence.
So, ditch the dinner table battles and embrace a sensory adventure! With a little patience and a whole lot of fun, you can transform picky eating into a delicious journey. Let’s get cooking!