Fun mealtime ideas to try with your fussy eater

Fun mealtime ideas to try with your fussy eater

Mealtimes are more than just eating; they’re a chance to connect, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. Creating a positive atmosphere around the dinner table can help alleviate any stress or pressure around food, especially for children who may be fussy or picky eaters. If you’re looking for ways to make mealtimes more fun and enjoyable, try out some of these playful ideas.

1. Themed meal nights

Choose a theme for dinner, like a “Mexican fiesta” or “Italian pasta night.” Involve your kids in planning and preparing the meal, making it a family affair. You can even go the extra mile by decorating the table, playing music that matches the theme, or wearing outfits that fit the vibe. It makes the meal a mini-event to look forward to and enjoy together.

2. Cooking competitions

Turn the kitchen into a friendly competition with a family cooking showdown. Set a time limit, pick a secret ingredient, and let everyone get creative. Whether it’s crafting a unique dish or assembling something simple, it encourages playfulness and curiosity in the kitchen. Best of all, you get to taste each other’s creations!

3. Food art creations

Let the kids get creative by turning food into art. Fruits, veggies, and other ingredients can be shaped into fun characters or designs using cookie cutters, food colouring, and other kitchen tools. It’s a great way to keep kids engaged and excited about what’s on their plates.

4. Create a family recipe book

Take mealtime memories to the next level by compiling a family recipe book. Include both classic family recipes and new creations. Get everyone involved in writing down recipes, drawing, and organizing the book. This project not only creates lasting memories but also builds a sense of pride and ownership in family meals.

5. Introduce new foods by running a food scientist experiment.

Use our Food Scientist Placemat to help your kids explore new foods using their five senses. It’s a fun, hands-on way to engage curious minds and make trying new foods a playful experiment. Perfect for fussy eaters and picky eaters learning to enjoy eating new foods. Learn more about how to use the Food Scientist Placemat with your kids here.

A Little Effort Goes a Long Way…

If you’ve got kids, chances are you’re already juggling a lot. Adding more to your to-do list might feel overwhelming—but don’t worry, you don’t need to turn every mealtime into a big event. Sometimes, dinner can just be dinner.

The key is to sprinkle in a little effort when it fits your family’s routine. Small tweaks, like introducing a fun activity or creating a relaxed atmosphere, can help take the pressure off. And with less pressure, kids are often more open to trying new foods.

At the end of the day, it’s all about balance—keeping mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free while still sticking to what works for your family. Less pressure leads to more smiles and more adventurous eaters!