subject: How To Handle Picky Eaters When Traveling With Children [print this page] Trying new foods can be the highlight of an international vacation - unless you are traveling with children. Travel inevitably leads to disruptions in mealtime routines that can lead to trouble with even the best kids. However; if you have picky eaters, this can be the biggest challenge you face on vacation. While people will say to not stress, children will eat when hungry, the arguments that precede this are not conducive to a vacation setting.
Children in the United States typically order from the ubiquitous children's menu with its standard list of chicken nuggets, grilled cheese and hamburgers. It is rare to find a children's menu in another country but if you happen to find one, it will feature favorites from the local cuisine. More common is for children to be served smaller portions off the standard menu. Popular tourist restaurants may offer an "American kid's menu" - avoid it at all costs! It will not taste like home - you are better off pushing the kids to try new things. This likely makes you feel like you are walking a fine line between avoiding a food meltdown and pushing the children to try new things. Use these tips to find the right balance on your next vacation.
Every country has a basic food (like tortillas in Mexico or pasta in Italy). Make this the starting point for an adventure into the food culture - before leaving home. Talk about what will be on the menu and try to experience it at a local restaurant that features the cuisine. The ultimate goal is to make at least a few items on the menu not seem quite so strange.
Now it is time to add a family rule that each person must try at least two bites of a new food at every meal. If you have fallen into the routine of serving kid-friendly meals, now is the time to mix things up. Start adding a new or different side dish to each meal - it does not need to be complicated, a new fruit or vegetable works well. By the time you leave on your adventure, you want the kids to be used to seeing different things on their plates and at least tasting everything.
When all else fails, have an emergency jar of peanut butter and crackers in the suitcase!
by: Jenny Untermeyer
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