Daughter's restricted diet

[suecy]

My DD (9) has quite a restricted diet. We're all veggie anyway, but my DS eats loads of different things she won't.

Her diet is healthy and balanced, just not broad at all - has a few veggies she will eat happily, is ok with pasta and quorn stuff, but approaches anything different from the norm with fear rather than excitement.

I can't get my head around this as I love to cook and try new things and can't imagine a life where food isn't a source of joy!

I'm also conscious of the fact that she is getting to an age where she should be eating more exciting , grown up food. We can't even go out for a curry together as she won't eat anything there.

However, my concern is how to go about broadening her diet without making too much of an issue about it. Sometimes I get quite cross with her about moaning about stuff she hasn't tried but then worry about making food an 'issue' for her which obviously being sensitive to her age and sex I definitely DO NOT want to do.

Any tips or advice? I can think of ways to help already - eat more as a family, get her involved in choosing and preparing the food etc. Any other ideas?

Also I'm thinking should I just accept her limitations or how far should I be pushing her.

I have a 'safe' eater at home i.e. OK with some old favourites but reluctant to try new things. Since he was about five, I've operated a system (with his agreement) that we eat old favourites during the week and that we try new recipes at the weekend. The rule is that he has to try at least three good forksful before giving it the thumbs up or down. Now age 11, he's got more 'old favourites' in the repertoire and is a lot less fussy.

Another idea.... peer pressure. I've had success inviting friends round for meals. If they're all tucking in and enjoying themselves, DS is more likely to give it a try. And, most success of all, if I send him around to other people's houses he usually comes back raving about some dish or other that so-and-so's mum made.

I don't thing, age 9, you should be accepting limitations because it could have long-term implications on her health and attitude to food. Persevere with encouragement.

Thanks. Yes we are having 5 'safe' days and 2 unsafe days here too! She doesn't care about having people round/going to theirs, she will simply refuse to eat what she doesn't like and it is a tad embarrasing.

She does generally have a small appetite so skipping a meal for her is no big deal - again something I want to avoid!!

Thanks for advice.

one mine has moments trying new things.i make it clear it will be given at least 5x before accept something isnt liked (havin got try it each time,just a taste).usually that eases them in.along with lots physical activity before eating so hungry enough to eat the table if i dont get it on ther quick enough