How to Get Your Picky Eaters Excited About Dinner

If you're navigating the choppy waters of family mealtimes with picky eaters, you're not alone. Many parents struggle with getting their kids to enjoy dinner, which often turns into a nightly battle of wills. But fear not, there are ways to turn mealtime into a fun and stress-free experience for everyone. Here’s how you can get your picky eaters excited about dinner with some ideas your family will love!

1. Create a Routine

Having a set routine can help reduce dinnertime chaos, especially when kids are tired and cranky. Establish a consistent dinnertime and stick to it as much as possible. This predictability can make mealtime smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

2.  Make Shopping Easier

One of the biggest challenges for parents is the mental load of planning and shopping for meals. Consider using a meal delivery service like WECO. We offer a variety of nutritious, chef-crafted meals that are ready-to-eat and require minimal preparation. This can save you time and reduce the stress of meal time!

3. Involve Kids in Meal Planning

Kids are more likely to eat what’s on their plate if they had a hand in choosing it. Involve them in the meal planning process by letting them pick one or two meals each week. This gives them a sense of control and encourages them to try new foods.

4. Make Mealtime Interactive

Kids love to get involved in what they're eating. One way to make dinner more appealing is to turn it into an interactive experience. Consider meals that allow them to build their own dish, like:

• Kids' Build Your Own French Bread Pizzas - WECO provides marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, and your kids assemble their pizzas!  This not only makes them more interested in the meal but also gives them a sense of accomplishment.  And with green beans on the side, we didn't forget the veggies! 
• Kids' Chicken Parm Sandos - Crunchy chicken tenders, zesty marinara, and ciabatta rolls can be put together by little hands. This meal also comes with a side of green beans, making it a balanced option.

5. Sneak in the Veggies

Getting your kids to eat their veggies can be a challenge, but with a little creativity, you can sneak them into their favorite dishes. Kids love our "Sneaky" Mac & Cheese - This rich mac & cheese includes butternut squash for a nutritious boost. It's creamy and delicious, and your kids won't even realize they're eating vegetables.

6. Mix Up the Menu

Variety is key when it comes to keeping kids interested in their food. Introducing new flavors and textures can make a big difference. Try incorporating different themes into your weekly meal plan, such as:

• Breakfast for Dinner - Kids love the novelty of having breakfast foods at dinnertime. Dishes like Kids' Fried Chicken & Waffles can make dinnertime fun and exciting.
• International Cuisine - Introduce your kids to flavors from around the world.  For example, our Kids' Super Veggie Fried Rice with spring rolls - Packed with vegetables, this dish is both tasty and nutritious. It's a dairy-free, vegetarian option that’s perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.

Getting picky eaters excited about dinner doesn't have to be a daunting task. By creating a routine, making mealtime interactive, mixing up the menu, and involving your kids in meal planning, you can turn dinnertime into a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family! And if you need a hand with meal prep, consider trying out WECO for a hassle-free, nutritious dinner solution.