How can I get my 9-year old daughter to eat fruits and vegetables?

United States
May 27, 2008 2:31pm CST
I am so concerned of my daughter just eating meat and dairy products? What can I do to get her to eat fruits and vegetables without terrorizing? OR does this come with age and gender? I need your help! Thanks.
2 people like this
3 responses
@kareng (55579)
• United States
27 May 08
My girls all loved salad at that age. I would offer different toppings like brocolli florets and califlower, carrots, etc. It got to the point that salad became their favorite and wouldn't eat meat. I think it is a phase they all go through.
• United States
27 May 08
I was hoping it was pretty common for girls (and boys her age) to prefer chocolates and candies. I remember the last time she ate fruits was when she was about 2 years old. Her baby sitter gave her mashed green grapes. I was leaving for work when I heard my daughter trying spit out something from her mouth as if she was in panic. I tried the grapes myself and it was pretty sour. I guess that's what turned her off the fruits and veggies altogether. thanks for sharing.
@kareng (55579)
• United States
27 May 08
Sure! Maybe you can interest her in some fruit smoothies since it is getting hot.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
27 May 08
At 9 your daughter is old enough to understand about healthy eating and the consequences of disobeying her parents. I would tell her that she can choose 2 or 3 fruits and 2 or 3 vegetables that she's willing to eat and that you're willing to work with her so that she eats a more healthy diet without making it too difficult on her. Suggest alternating the fruit and vegetables so that she only has to eat one per day, but that she has to eat at least a small serving each day or she faces some kind of consequence. Some kids are picky eaters but that doesn't mean that you have to throw in the towel and give in. You are the parent and you are in charge so, be creative, let your daughter know that you understand and care about feelings but that you also care about her health.
1 person likes this
• United States
27 May 08
I've tried this as well. The moment the fruit or vegetable touches her tongue and palette, the expression on her face becomes indescribably ugly. To her it's disgusting. Whenever I start discussing the consequences of vitamins and minerals deficiency I can see that she gets scared, and I feel like I'm terrorizing her. It works for about a bite or two but tears just roll down her checks when she forces herself to eat them for fear of getting sick. So here I am trying to get fresh and gentle ideas, ones that I haven't thought of... Thanks.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
27 May 08
most kids like crunchy things so make salads with baby carrots, and tomatoes and good dark green leafy lettuce, and toss in some' croutons and a good salad dressing bet they will eat it.
• United States
27 May 08
regardless of how appetizing it looks or how crunchy the food it, when she recognizing it's fruit or vegetable, that's the end of it. thanks.