Kids are well-known to be stubborn about the food they will eat – or not eat. However, good eating habits can be learned.

First, teach children about food. Take them to farmers’ markets or actual farms and have them pick out their own produce.

Making their own choices gives the young ones a genuine sense of power. This is “their” food.

Keep in mind that even young children can help with meal preparation, allowing them to become familiar and curious. By age 3, they can wash fruits by the sink and inhale the intoxicating aroma of spices.

Give them another year, and they can peel the shell from hard-boiled eggs, help make sandwiches, and mash potatoes. This is how the picky eaters get comfortable around food.

When they reach school age, let them toss a salad and write down a shopping list. And never overlook the pleasure of finger food.

By the time children reach the age of 9, most of them can cut cheeses and fruits with proper supervision and even arrange a fruit platter. Picking, selecting, and helping to prepare foods as described in “How Kids Learn to Enjoy Food Cookbook” will turn your picky eaters into gourmet wannabes.

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