Kids are often finicky eaters. Their favorite meal might change each week, or they may eat only a handful of specific foods. Though this can make it challenging to take them to a family restaurant, there are several ways to help your young ones become more open to trying unfamiliar dishes. While dining out, here's how to encourage children who are picky eaters.

4 Ways to Help Picky Children Eat at a Restaurant

1. Play on Their Favorites

If your child loves a specific meal, they might have an easier time trying dishes that feature similar ingredients. For instance, if your young one enjoys pancakes, they may find Belgian waffles delicious, since the batter includes the same basic ingredients, such as sugar, butter, and eggs. Kids might also get excited about trying items with sweet, colorful toppings, such as powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fruit compote on top of French toast and pancakes. 

2. Start Small 

Kids frequently feel overwhelmed when presented with large portions of foods they've never seen or tasted. Giving them small bites of unfamiliar dishes can allow them to become familiar with new flavors and textures without feeling intimidated. Additionally, while dining at a family restaurant, introduce your child to only one or two new foods during a single meal. This may keep them from feeling unnerved by having too many options or unfamiliar items on their plate.

3. Let Them Have Control 

If kids feel pressured or pushed into trying new foods, they are often less inclined to eat them. Allowing your young one to choose which dishes they want to sample can give them more control and make them feel empowered about eating new foods. Additionally, let your children decide how much of each item they consume so that they don't feel forced into finishing any items they wind up not enjoying. 

4. Use Colorful Language 

Using descriptive words and phrases to describe new foods before eating them can pique a child's interest and make them more likely to sample dishes at a family restaurant. You might involve your young ones in this, asking them to point out the colors and shapes of foods, then describe their flavors and textures after tasting them. This may turn the process of exploring new dishes into a fun game that makes kids feel more at ease.

Encourage your children to try new, delicious foods by dining at Belgian Waffle & Pancake House. This family restaurant offers American food for breakfast and lunch to hungry patrons throughout Branson, MO. Please note they are closed for the first three months. Call (417) 334-8484 to ask about specials, and visit the website to browse their complete menu of delectable dishes.