Trying new recipes is often met with hesitation or outright criticism from kids or family members. Negative responses can deter you from experimenting with different dishes, leaving you feeling frustrated.

Solution: Ask for feedback early and often. This transforms mealtime critique into an opportunity for growth and connection.

How to Collect Feedback

1. Set Expectations: Let your family know you're trying something new, and welcome their opinions. Acknowledge that you're uncertain about the recipe's reception, and their input will help you refine it.

2. Engage Curiosity:  Introduce a guessing game by saying, "I added a secret ingredient. Can you guess what it is?" This enhances their tasting skills while making the meal fun.

3. Provide Simple Prompts: Collecting feedback doesn't need to be overly complicated!

   - For young kids, use thumbs up or thumbs down.  

   - Encourage older children to share a descriptive term about texture, flavor, or temperature.

4. Value the Feedback You Get: Encourage your family to explain why they like or dislike the dish, and accept their input gracefully.

Benefits of a Feedback System 

There are multiple benefits to developing a feedback system like there. Here are three of the most valuable.

• It Builds Trust:  When kids see their input is valued, it strengthens their confidence and your relationship.
• It Boosts Language & Tasting Skills: Describing the flavors enhances their vocabulary while tasting develops their culinary discernment.
• It Prepares You for Critique: Anticipating feedback helps you handle criticism constructively and adapt your meals for the future.

Final Thoughts 

Turning mealtime criticism into constructive feedback builds valuable skills, enhances trust, and makes experimenting with food less daunting. So, next time you're serving up something new, don't be afraid to ask, "What do you think?"