Won't try new foods / Picky eater
Before You Begin
Pause and breathe. Even if this shouldn't be happening... accept that it is and embrace it with composure and calmness.
Calmness is the only way forward because without calm, there is no possibility for receptiveness and connection. Your child won't give to you any more than they see from you.
Never forget that a strong connection is fundamental, as there will be no correction in them if there is no connection with you.
The Core Problem
They don't want to leave their safe space of familiar foods.
What Will Make It Worse
Harshly pressuring or forcing the child to try new foods might worsen the situation and will make their kid mind wonder why you don't want them to be happy.
What The Child Needs
1. Exposure to new foods: The child needs exposure to a variety of foods in a non-threatening way to become familiar with different tastes and textures, and be able to expand their list of favorites. Involve the child in meal planning, cooking or grocery shopping, offering choices for trying new foods. Encourage them to pick one new food to try each week.
2. A positive mealtime environment: During mealtimes, create a non-judgmental environment where the child can explore new foods at their own pace. Avoid making negative comments or forcing them to try something they are not comfortable with.
3. Control and autonomy: Allow the child to have some control over their food choices, which can lead to a sense of ownership and empowerment and ultimately cooperation.
4. Role models: As a parent, be a positive role model by trying new foods and expressing enjoyment in trying new things.
How To Have The Conversation With Your Child
Share with them that you know they already have some favorite foods, but there is a whole world of foods to explore. Try to get them excited and tell them that you need their help in exploring all the foods.
Over the next few days start working on the "What The Child Needs" pointers listed above, incorporating them into daily life.
The more involved they are in picking out new foods that they are interested in, and still being allowed to say no to other new foods, the more in charge they will feel and willing to go along with trying new things. Bonding over the shared experience of discussing, preparing and trying new foods together, and even agreeing that some of the new things taste pretty bad, will diminish their knee jerk reaction to push away suggested foods.
This one won't be an overnight fix, but you will overcome this challenging behavior and come out of it more connected with your child.