I Need Advice on How to Get My Son (3) to Eat Fruits and Vegitables.

Dearest S. -
Children copy what they see. If you and the other adults in his life are eating fruits and vegetables, he will also.

Have lots of fresh fruits and veggies cut up in spears or bite-size pieces to offer through the day. Most children prefer raw to cooked.

Angie has some great ideas for combinations that most kids enjoy. Make sure he sees you enjoying these things.

Don't make a big issue at mealtimes, but limit other choices. Don't feel you have to give in and make him a peanut butter sandwich or whatever it is he is demanding. Just tell him that what is on his plate is what there is to eat. No child ever starved on purpose! He will soon learn that the way to keep from being hungry is by eating the good food Mama gives him.

Don't let the idea that you are making him unhappy cause you to back down. You are the parent and you know what is best for a growing boy.

Keep up the good work. I know you are a loving mother.

Smoothies would be a fun way to do fruit.

We've been lucky with our 4 year old - he eats pretty much anything. I've heard some good tips though - 1) for bananas, apples and carrots, let HIM dip some in peanut butter (organic is best, little bit sweeter) or some of the fruit dip you can get at Walmart (most have low sugar); 2) broccoli and celery are good to dip with ranch dressing; 3) halve green/red seedless grapes and play a counting game with them, eating one for each number he counts correctly; 4) if he will eat yogurt cut up some peaches to go into it or put some blueberries in it; 5) sliced bananas are also good between pieces of graham crackers; 6) put fruit in jello and put whipped topping on top for a nice treat 7) some kids will eat more 'exotic' veggies - like zucchini or squash or mushrooms but won't eat green beans - try some of these raw or cooked in olive oil but keep them crunchy 8) my son loves salad - if your 3 year old can eat well cut up lettuce use some croutons and some cut up mushrooms, squash and zucchini pieces to make a salad 9) some kids love fruit salad or maybe a Waldorf salad with a variety of fruit. Hope this helps....

I suggest trying the same one several times so that it becomes familiar. Are you tasting it with your child? Have you tried peanut butter with apples, yogurt with banana. How about ranch with broccolli and cauliflower. Let me know how that works out.
Angie