How to Encourage Your Kids to Eat Broccoli

By Jody Morse, published Sep 07, 2007
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There is no doubt that broccoli is one of the vegetables that almost all children despise, even if they have never touched it in their lives. Since broccoli always has such a negative image from both kids and parents, there's really no surprise. The most important thing that you can do as a parent who wants your kid to eat broccoli is not talk badly about it yourself. Children pick up on their parents' eating habits, so if you say something bad, they will automatically think the same way. I once knew a lady who hated tomatoes and since she didn't like them, her daughter assumed that she wouldn't like them either. To this day, she has yet to try a tomato.

There are some ways that you may be able to get your child to easily eat broccoli though! While it will depend on the child, chances are that each of these may work effectively if you are trying to convince your child to eat broccoli. Here, we will take a much closer look at some of these ways.

Add Broccoli to their Favorite Dish

Whether your children love extra cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, or chicken and rice casseroles, it is easy to add broccoli to your child's favorite dish. Sometimes you may be able to disguise the broccoli and later tell your child that it was in the meal that he or she just devoured and enjoyed. Other times, your child may even be acceptable to eating broccoli, as long as it means that they are able to eat their favorite food too. Overall, it is definitely safe to say that adding broccoli to your child's favorite dish can be an excellent way to encourage him or her to eat this tasty vegetable!

Make a Face Using Broccoli

This method is known to work the best for younger children who still have creative imaginations and may enjoy "playing" with their food. To make the face, you can get as creative as you possibly you want. For example, you might want to use chicken nuggets as a mouth. Carrots will make a great nose. A baked potato or deviled eggs will both make great choices for eyes. Broccoli can easily be used as hair! Of course, you can use just about anything that you want when making a face using broccoli.

Add Flavor to Raw or Cooked Broccoli

Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 10 of 10
 
 
I'm a huge broccoli fanatic myself. I love the idea of making a face using broccoli. What good suggestions!

Posted on 11/08/2007 at 7:11:00 AM

 
Excellent tips! By the way, I LOVE tomatoes.

Posted on 09/12/2007 at 3:09:00 PM

 
In the future I plan to cover my kids' broccoli with cheese. That's how I like it!

Posted on 09/08/2007 at 10:09:00 PM

 
My son always has to eat his broccoli with Ranch dressing, weather it is cooked or raw, I always say that is fine with me as long as he is eating his broccoli. Great tips!

Posted on 09/08/2007 at 3:09:00 PM

 
Threatening them and telling them that they will starve if they do not eat is one method. However, you have provided useful and less harsh tips. Great article.

Posted on 09/08/2007 at 10:09:00 AM

 
great ideas..thanks

Posted on 09/08/2007 at 8:09:00 AM

 
Thanks for the comments. I always loved broccoli too, Sophie! It was actually one of my favorites as a kid. My parents never forced me to eat or anything though, I did it on my own.

Posted on 09/07/2007 at 9:09:00 PM

 
All very good tips. I've been blessed with children that love broccoli. They prefer it covered in cheese though! Thanks!

Posted on 09/07/2007 at 12:09:00 PM

 
Wish you could of given my mom tips - she wasn't so nice about it. :-)

Posted on 09/07/2007 at 11:09:00 AM

 
Great tips, Jody. I always loved broccoli, so this was never a problem for me! Sophie

Posted on 09/07/2007 at 10:09:00 AM

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