Picky Eaters
Joyce Green
When it comes to picky eating you will find a lot of toddlers fit intothis group. There are many different reasons a child will become a picky eater. Some children are just more naturally sensitive to taste, smell and texture, and others will develop picky eating habits from their parents’ fussy eating habits. Picky eating habits may develop when parents’ punish, bribe or reward their child’sbehavior. One goal for a picky eater may be to try new foods and keep food from starting a battle.
A set schedule for mealtime is also important to help your child know that there is a meal coming every two or three hours and that he will not go hungry. Mealtime should always be considered when feeding a child. If the family takes the time to sit at the table together this will also help the picky eater as they watch everyone else eat they will learn to try more things. Conversation should also be pleasant, the eating space should be clean and bright and distractions should be limited. Mealtime is not a time for watching TV or arguing.
If the child doesn’t like or doesn’t seem to be eating the foods that are prepared, it’s okay. When children are hungry because they chose not to eat, they’ll be more likely to eat what is offered next time. Ultimately, it is the child’s decision as to what to eat and whether or not to eat the foods provided. Sometimes, the child may eat very little or not eat anything at all, but he will make up the nutrition later that day or later in the week.
Resource: www.ucsfhealth.org