Adults understand that each restaurant visit presents an opportunity to try something new. North America is a true melting pot, and people from all over the world brought their customs, cultures and food to the continent.
One can pull up a map of his or her immediate area and likely find restaurants offering Italian, Chinese, Greek, Thai, Eastern Mediterranean, and Mexican foods. Expand the radius further, and there is bound to be a bevy of additional offerings as well. These restaurants bode well for adventurous diners who like to try different flavors. But what about children who tend to be more picky with food? Here are some handy tips for introducing kids to new foods when dining out. · Begin with a taste. Parents should realize it can take a while before kids are willing to eat new foods. According to Judy Delaware, an occupational therapist, feeding specialist, and co-founder of Feeding Littles, kids often prefer textures and tastes they have had before. It can take anywhere from 10 to 15 exposures to certain foods before a child will give it a shot. When dining out, don’t order an entire meal and expect a child to eat it. Rather, adults can offer a bite or two of their own meals to try.
· Read the menu together. Let the child learn about the food descriptions and what is in each dish rather than describing the dish as tasty or not. Try to be descriptive when characterizing dishes, using phrases such as “this is creamy” or “this is crunchy.” Curiosity may make kids more inclined to try something new.
