I introduce different fruits and vegetables to the children and encourage them to try the ones they have not seen or had before, such as kiwi fruit or melon, because some children would say that they didn't like something before they had even tried it. We enjoy making fruit salad together and I let the children choose the fruits that they like, even if it means we have to make several individual dishes!
I have learned that children sometimes prefer vegetables raw rather than cooked. I make salads using vegetables cut up into fingers and placed on a tray so that the children can help themselves.
Over the years, I have had to educate some of the parents about the amounts of fruit and vegetables their children eat. We have worked in partnership to encourage the children to eat fruits and vegetables at home and in my setting.
I would encourage other childminders who look after children who refuse to eat fruits and vegetables to be adventurous and to make the process fun.
* Joana Smith, registered network childminder, Croydon, Surrey
