The Little Chef

The Little Chef

Engaging fussy eaters and food phobics in the preparation of their meals could be the first step on the road to a healthy eating habit. As a version of the Shared Chore Technique, preparing a meal together can encourage the kind of teamwork needed between siblings who are often rivals.

Involve your children in cooking a meal

• Tell your child he’s going to help you to cook dinner.
• Resign yourself to the mess so you can all stay relaxed! Try on some aprons and face-paint little chef-moustaches on you and your little helper. Put your child in a Fun Pod high chair - he'll get a good view and feel involved with the cooking.  
• If you’re working with more than one child, split the chores so the eldest is doing the carrying, the cutting, writing the menu and name plates, and the younger is supervised by you, helping grate cheese or wash carrots.
• Heap your child with praise for his efforts, give him a special ‘tasting spoon’ and get him to sample the food as it’s being cooked.
• Sit down and eat together as a family. Even if your fussy eater won’t eat this time, don’t focus on the negative, see if you can get him to take just one mouthful and praise him for helping.

What else might help?

For older children, a Placemat Reward Chart might help next time. You’ll find further hints and tips in coping with a fussy eater. It may take a while to reverse bad eating habits, but it’s important to be consistent in your approach.

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