It may be something to do with the odd colour for foodstuff or resemblance to leaves, grass and bushes - but an aversion to anything green on the plate is common among children. Here's our guide to coping with fussy eaters and getting children eating well throughout the day.

Make them raw!

Many children won’t eat cooked veg but will eat it raw – there’s obviously something nicer – the crunch possibly. Try serving raw veg with a dip. Generations gone by were not overly enthused by hummus. This generation of children are eating it and enjoying it. You could always try other healthy dips like sour cream, cheese and chive, or homemade salsa with tomatoes and peppers.

Hide and seek

Camouflage the greens by chopping them up and putting them in with a tomato and pasta dish. A multitude of "offensive" green vegetables can be hidden within layers or wraps, so dishes like lasagnes, burritos and cannelloni are really useful.

Green grocering

At the shops, or in the supermarket, talk to your child about the different vegetables on display, and where they might come from. Ask your child to find you three green vegetables to cook for dinner that evening. Set them a time in which to do it. Talk about why it’s important for them to eat greens as opposed to the unhealthy snacks they might pick up when shopping. Be honest in their education.

Bribery on a chart

Instead of using bribery directly at the table (one vegetable in exchange for one sweet for instance) make a wall chart for them. If they eat a certain number of greens in a week, they can have a small prize, or sticker. This gives green positive and fun connotations.

Cook with them

Involve your child with the family meal and ask them what green vegetable they would like to use. They are restricted by having to use a green but it is their choice which one. As your child builds knowledge of different foods he or she will begin to feel proud of themselves. Remember to point that out to them.

Make it the norm

The earlier you can make greens a part of your child's daily meals, the better. Let them know that there’s no getting out of it: it is just 'the way things are'. Always have a serving on their plate.

Actions speak louder than words

Make sure you are eating and enjoying your greens in plain view. If you don’t eat them, there’s no chance that they will.

Cook them well

If you boil your children’s vegetables to within an inch of their lives, they will not only look unappetising, they will taste awful too. Flavour them with a little salt, butter, garlic and pepper.

Bite size portions

Make the sizing of the veg innovative and fun. Make your children little trees of broccoli or cauliflower. Make courgettes and carrots into sticks. You won’t have to do this for long: the aim is just to attach positive connotations to vegetables in the child's mind.

Eat together

Studies have consistently shown that children who eat as part of the family, all together, tend to eat more fruit and veg than those that don’t. Always place a serving on the table or your child’s plate. Eventually, after following the example of those around them, they will accept it.

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Fussy Eaters: The Child that Will Only Eat Miniscule Portions

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