Getting kids to eat the healthy stuff

Lifting_Knitter

My daughter loves everything I make but lentils (don't blame her there, I just started to eat those and am trying to get used to it) but she won't eat it herself. I literally have to feed her. She mmmmms the whole time but refuses to pick up the spoon herself. Anybody have any advice? She is 3 and will say all done and then an hour later say she is hungry and just sit and look at it. It is so good for her, i noticed she has less water retention and bloating, more energy. I don't want to resort to treats because she should be eating but that is one thing she responds well to.

jipsybird

So, she is eating it as long as you feed her? Does she give you any other issues than that? Personally, I think you are lucky. My 3 1/2 year old makes just about every meal a struggle... she will look at something and flat out say she doesn't like it and refuses to try it. So just about every meal (not so much for breakfast) I have to goad her into at least tasting her food... then get her to eat a few more bites. Sure makes me a happy momma when she eats everything without an issue. I have actually talked to a nutritionist at wic that says the behavior of just looking at it and saying 'I don't like it' is normal. It a phase that normally starts around 4 yrs. I'm hoping that since my daughter hit it about a year early she will be done soon.

I know I didn't help much, but if she responds well to treats, I say why not? Now of course I understand you don't want to overdo it (don't want to give her a reward complex) but I'm sure you can find ways to make it small and healthy. My daughter considers fruit a treat (of course her favorite random word is cookies!). Sounds to me like you are doing well, best of luck!