Picky Eaters.
Kimberley Clayton Blaine: We all want our child to develop healthy eating habits. Wouldn't that be great if they ate everything on their plate? Chances are, your child doesn't. Toddlers refusal to eat is quite common and has less to do with what you are feeding them and more to do with their new independence.
The fast and busy pace of a toddler's world may leave them not at all interested in eating a full meal, let alone or sitting down with the entire family. Todllers have unbound energy and little focus, so don't expect them to sit for a very long period of time during a family meal.
You want your child to learn that meal time can be fun and rewarding, and that may motivate them to have join in. Here are some tips to help ensure that your picky eater has a balanced diet.
Never force your child to eat. Don't let your child's eating habits become a power struggle. Don't beg, bribe, or threaten, or offer to make something else. Explain that this is the meal being served, but also include something that he or she likes in every meal, in case your child chooses not to try everything.
Parents, you are your child's food role model. Research has shown that parents whom themselves are picky eaters, tend to have children with similar traits. Children see their parents as role models and will mimic how they consume food.
Make the food look interesting. Use cooky cutters, make faces, or food sculptures. Show them to feed. Let your child know that when you were little, you didn't like certain foods either. That eventually, you started trying different things.
Try not to offer large snacks before meal times. Try the one bite rule, or the yucker-yum tactic. Have them take one bite and if they don't like it, they don't have to eat it. If they do like it, well then there is no problem.
Let your child help with shooping and cooking. Toddlers can help load food in the cart or your pre-schooler can help pick out the fruits and vegetables. Have your child tell you what their friends eat and ask which friends meal, you could make for them.
If you are set on offering a dessert after dinner, consider getting your child accustomed to eating yogurt, cereal, fruit, or applesauce. Never choose sweets. Cookies and candies are considered special treats and are not a part of regular healthy eating habits.
Never talk about dieting in front of your child. Talk about healthy foods that our bodies need. When are we concerned? If the child is loosing weight or completely refuses foods or liquids, consult with your pediatrician. With much patience and observation, you will learn your child's eating habits. They will look forward to preparing each meal. Oh! Did you want this? Yeah, he likes it.
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