You read that right – I’m talking about offering your child’s dessert at the same time as their dinner!
Most of the time when I mention this to my clients in South Florida, their immediate response is: “That won’t work for my child. They’re only going to eat the dessert.” But 99% of the time, they go home and give it a try anyways. Parents are usually surprised to find that their child not only eats their dessert, but is also less resistant about eating the rest of their dinner.
Why does this work?
Putting the Dessert On Their Plate is Motivating
For parents who struggle to keep their child sitting at the dinner table, this can be a game changer. Having dessert as an option on their plate can motivate your child to remain at the table, and start the eating process. Once a child starts eating, they are more likely to keep eating.
Your Child Learns to Listen to Their Body
When parents get upset that their child isn’t eating their main meal, like protein or vegetables, they sometimes use dessert to “bribe” or “coerce” their child to eat their dinner. While this may seem like a good strategy in the short run, it can often lead to mealtime trouble down the road. We want children to eat foods because they feel comfortable doing so. By encouraging them to take a bite, chew, or swallow a food before they are ready, kids are not listening to what their body is actually telling them. This can lead to a negative association with that food and an aversion to it in the future. Instead, having a food your child is comfortable with on their plate, encourages them to explore new foods without pressure.
Normalizes Desserts
When your child has to earn dessert, dessert gets put on a pedestal. They then start to rate these foods as “better” or more “exciting,” while foods such as vegetables and meats are just something they have to eat because you tell them to. Instead, incorporating dessert in the meal begins to normalize sweets, so they have equal value to the other foods on the plate. This helps kids spend less time obsessing over “treats” and improves sitting down for well-rounded snacks and meals.
What do you have to lose by giving it a try?
Like most changes, it might take a while for a child to get used to this new system. In the beginning, they will mostly eat the dessert first, and ignore other food on their plate. But with time and practice, you can also help them learn about new foods in a positive way. Although dessert with dinner seems like a scary change, it is one that can significantly improve your child’s happiness at the table and decrease mealtime battles.
Dr. Samantha Goldman is an occupational therapist who helps parents solve picky eating while having FUN! For more picky eating tips checkout www.theot4me.com
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only, and cannot and does not contain medical or therapy advice. Any medical or therapy information is provided as my/our personal experiences is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.
