How do I deal with my picky eater?
"Family meals used to be fun. Now every meal feels like a battle."
It’s normal for toddlers to go through a picky eating phase. As toddlers grow into preschoolers, however, this phase can turn into a habit. It can be frustrating, but with time, hard work and patience these habits can be changed. Of course, this is sometimes easier said than done, especially if the dinner table has turned into a battle zone! Keep reading for some practical tips to help you keep your cool.
Parent 2 Parent
"I give him the stuff he doesn’t like first, when he is most hungry. I don’t give him his favorites first — I give him the new stuff first so he will eat it!"
Be patient.
Your child is learning what he likes and what he doesn’t — and his tastes can (and will!) change very quickly. Something your child refuses to eat this week could very easily be his favorite next week, so don’t give up. Don’t remove foods that your child is refusing from his diet. Keep offering these along with other healthy foods that he likes such as fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meats, and whole grains.
When you are dealing with a picky eater:
- Stay calm when your child won’t eat what you prepared. Don’t try to force him to eat.
- Offer new foods with familiar foods that you know your child likes.
- Let your child choose between two healthy options. He’s more likely to eat something if he chooses it himself.
- Try not to use your child’s favorite food as a reward for good behavior.
Engage your child in healthy living!
Preschoolers are often very curious about learning new tasks and fun facts. You can use this to help him learn about new foods. For example, you can:
- Let your child help with food shopping, preparation, and serving. The more you involve him in the process, the more likely he’ll be to try the foods.
- Preschoolers are at the perfect age to learn about how food grows. Plant vegetables and herbs with your child — he will love to try the foods he grows!
- Talk to your child about what other kids like to eat. If a friend really likes a food that your child has not tried, use this as an opportunity to try a new food.
Parent 2 Parent
"One thing I learned is that it matters how you cut up the food. If I cut her sandwich straight, she won’t eat it. But if I cut it in triangles or diagonally, she’ll eat it right up."
Parent 2 Parent
"One word: Dip! They’ll eat anything with dip — especially cut up fruits and vegetables."
Try to limit the amount of dip your preschooler uses with fruits or veggies to 2 tablespoons. Some tasty, low fat dip options are:
- Low fat yogurt
- Low fat ranch dressing
- Peanut butter
- Mild salsa
- Hummus
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