Pretend his food is your food, they usually want what’s not theirs

When my kids were that age, they liked helping with the chopping and food preparation and I used to pretend i was being cheeky and having a little taste tester nibble before tea, and they would think it funny to also have a nibble and be cheeky – thus they were trying it. I also try to make platters for some meal so that the kids can use tongs to select what they like and put on their plate, then they are often preoccupied with getting to use the tongs and inevitably try a few new foods. you could also put out 3 new things and say they need to choose one – that way they feel like they are in control of the decision, whilst still trying something new.

I don’t have a 5 year old but my toddler is the same! It’s a real struggle to get her to try, let alone eat anything new! But, perseverance is key! I have found that if I eat with her and eat the same thing, it helps to get her to try it.

Maybe getting your little boy to help make dinner might give him more incentive to eat it with you?

i would just think of ways to make food fun and get him to help you prepare it.

Getting him to help prepare the food might help. Also, my kids used to like “building” their food such as homemade burgers, pizzas and burritos. Preparing the ingredients and then adding bits and pieces to the burger, pizza, burrito. In doing this, they would add a tiny bit of grated carrot, or tomato, etc, and then they got a bit more adventurous. Try make the food discovery journey fun and hopefully your little boy will catch on and enjoy more variety.

I like to ask the kids help find the food at the supermarket and have them carry the basket or push the trolley. At home we prepare the food at the table ask your 5 year old to make you a sandwich. Cheese and baby spinach and eat it with praise. Wow this is the best sandwich ever! Put your new foods in the middle of the table and ask 5 year old to help themselves. Ask each other to pass the plate around the table to share a portion. New food like grilled fish bits pop some flour salt and pepper and some herbs in a Glad bag. Have 5 year old shake the bag. You pan fry and serve with tooth picks. (My 4 year old said funny tasting chicken nuggets and polished off the whole plate. I said it was chicken of the sea.) We make this often.

So hard isn’t it. Maybe get him to help prepare meal. With this he might feel sense of reward. Grate cheese for spaghetti Bol. Crack eggs for scrambled eggs. Chop celery, capsicums, watch you eat pieces as you prepare it. Then offer him pieces. all with your supervision guidance.

When my little man is fussy I use a bridging food like tomato sauce, gravy, yoghurt etc. Or I put the new food into something he likes, like stir-fry, veggie patties or meatball so he gets used to the taste. He decided that he didn’t like capsicum so I hid it in his faves for a few weeks before reintroducing it in small bits & he was fine after he tasted it. Best of luck, I hope this helps