Adults love fresh seafood because it's an excellent source of protein and high in omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health. Your kids will love it because it's a fun and delicious finger food. If you want to encourage your children to broaden their culinary horizons, use these tips during your next meal.

How to Encourage Your Children to Eat More Seafood

1. Start Small

Avoid overwhelming your children with bony or shelled ingredients. Instead, start with food they can eat easily, such as open mussels and peeled shrimp. Once the kids find seafood they enjoy, ask if they want to graduate to other options, such as crab or crawfish.

2. Order Favorite Condiments

Make the meals extra appealing with your children’s beloved condiments, such as garlic butter or black bean sauce. Ask for extra condiments on the side for dipping, which kids enjoy.

3. Don’t Force Them

Never force your children to eat something, so they don’t associate the dish with bad memories. Instead, make the meals more appetizing for them, such as by cutting up the food into bite-size pieces. If they’re still resistant, request side dishes your kids like, such as rice or French fries, that will pair well with the seafood. 

4. Set an Example 

Encourage your children to follow your example by demonstrating your love of seafood. Talk about how excited you are to eat crab or lobster and how you will dress up the food with garlic butter or assorted spices.

Make it clear you love what you’re eating by smiling, praising the taste, and describing what you like about the dish, such as how the clams melt in your mouth. Children mimic their parents, so if they see you enjoying your meal, they will be more likely to try it too. 

Schedule your next family dinner at Cajun King, a popular seafood restaurant in Aiea, HI. Conveniently located in the Waimalu Shopping Center between Shiro’s and the Palama Market, this locally owned, affordable restaurant offers a varied menu for dining in or ordering out. Call (808) 484-2221 today to place an order, or review the menu online. Like the Facebook page for the latest restaurant updates.