Getting a toddler to eat something that is good for them, or that you think they should eat, should not become a battle of wills, but it often does. Sometimes with children, the presentation is everything, and they forget what is underneath the fanciful decorations or shapes. Fish is one of the few foods that doesn't lend itself well to disguises that are cute. But you can make it an undercover favorite with a little creative cooking that the kids and even Mom and Dad will enjoy.
First, you will need to ask yourself how important it is that your child has fish. If you really want them to eat it, you may have to be willing to give way on other issues such as how it is prepared. There are a variety of frozen food companies that present fish in stick, and even fish shapes. But these are wrapped in crumbs, and sometimes partly deep friend before you cook them in the oven. This might not be ideal, but if they will eat it, and get the taste of fish, it may open the door to other, and better choices.
The other options are mostly those that appeal to taste. An excellent way of serving fish is in a sauce. A fillet of haddock can be baked quite nicely with just mushroom or another creamed soup poured over it. If you cut off a child size portion, you can even decorate it with some curls of celery for hair, and sliced pickles for eyes before serving. Use your imagination here.
A lot of children love cheese. Bake your fish until it's half done and then cover it in shredded cheddar cheese. Not only do they absolutely get the taste they like, but the extra protein that cheese offers them.
Okay, maybe you don't like fish. But you're an adult. You're old enough to weigh the consequences of your decision (a pain free future or crippling arthritis - choose). But a child doesn't have the capacity to make this choice. And, knowing all the complications that could arise, it's inconsiderate on our part to make it for them.
Enough of the guilt trip. Let's say for a moment that you're willing to consider the possibility of doing something about the situation. How would you go about getting your kids to eat fish?
With four children of my own, I've learned through personal experience that kids learn in three ways -example, example and example. They tend to do what they see us doing (that is, until they become teenagers).
So, while they're still young, the best thing you can do is to start eating fish yourself. (You probably already knew where this was going.) If you don't like the fishy taste then you're not buying fresh fish, not preparing it properly or you haven't developed the taste yet. These things are easy to fix. Here's how.
Fresh fish seldom tastes "fishy" - that is, in the traditional sense that people complain about. I mean, fish is fish and it doesn't taste like chicken, but it doesn't have to taste "fishy" either. Buy the freshest fish you can find and serve it as soon as possible.
Get yourself a fish cookbook and try various recipes until you find several your family really enjoys and then just stick with those.
Many people find that it's easier to develop a taste for fish when you start with mild tasting fish first. Although fish like salmon have the highest omega 3 fatty acids, they also have the strongest flavor. Start eating white fish like grouper or sea bass and gradually work your way up to salmon. I promise it'll go a lot easier for you and your family.
Introducing your children to fish as early as you can also makes a difference. We started giving our kids fish oil on a spoon when they were just 6 months old. They were soon chewing the capsules (by their own choice) and now fish is one of their favorite foods. When we go out to eat, the chances are 8 out of 10 that they'll order fish.
Okay, so your kids are older and they've already developed a taste for TV dinners, pot pies and pizza. No problem. That is if you're willing to use tough love. Basically you can follow some of the same suggestions I've given and make sure there are no other choices for dinner. Be firm. They'll eat when they get hungry enough.
In order to help your children live a long happy healthy life, give these suggestions a try. Research shows that fish also improves a child's behavior and mood, so there are added benefits for you too. Believe me, you'll be glad you taught your kids to eat fish. And maybe some day they'll even thank you for it!
Both Jackie G. Maxwell & Michael Byrd are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jackie G. Maxwell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Aquarium Fish, Pregnancy Problems. Visit http://www.babyandtoddlerville.com and sign up for free weekly tips that will take the mystery and fear out of parenting your precious little one.. Jackie G. Maxwell's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
Michael Byrd has sinced written about articles on various topics from Learn Hypnosis, Aquarium Fish and Omega 3. Confused? Michael Byrd has created an easy to understand chart of . With over 18 years of education and experience in physical ther. Michael Byrd's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.