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Watching your child refuse to eat anything except pasta or only want cookies can be frustrating as a parent. Picky eating is a common phase many children go through, especially during their toddler years. It can leave you worried, annoyed, or even wondering if your child is getting the necessary nutrients. Tips for Dealing with Picky Eaters!
But don’t worry, you’re not alone; there are ways to handle it without turning mealtimes into a battlefield.
This guide will explore why picky eating occurs and share simple, practical tips for surviving this phase.
Picky eating is normal for toddlers and preschoolers. Kids have small stomachs; they are still developing tastes, and often have strong opinions about food.
Understanding why your child may be picky is the first step in handling it with patience and understanding.
Now that we know why picky eating happens, let’s dive into some simple, practical tips to make mealtime more manageable and less stressful.
Feeling frustrated or pressured when your child refuses to eat is easy. But getting upset can make things worse. Kids can sense your stress and may dig in their heels even more.
Try to stay calm and positive, even if they refuse food. Remember, picky eating is normal, and your calm approach can help them feel more relaxed about trying new foods.
Instead of focusing on what they’re eating, make mealtime a positive experience. Try to eat together as a family, talk about your day, and avoid pressuring them to eat. You can make the table fun with colourful plates, cups, or even background music. The more relaxed mealtime is, the more likely they are to try new things.
Kids may need to see a new food multiple times before they’re willing to try it. If you want them to try carrots, for example, put a small piece on their plate next to foods they already like. Don’t force them to eat it – just let it be there. The more they see it, the more familiar it becomes, and eventually, they may decide to try it.
Kids love feeling in control, and giving them choices can make them more open to eating. Instead of saying, “Eat your vegetables,” try saying, “Would you like carrots or peas today?” Keep the choices simple and offer only two or three options. This way, they feel like they’re making the decision, which can lead to a better response.
Kids watch and learn from you. If they see you enjoying various foods, they’re more likely to want to try them. So, eat your veggies with enthusiasm, and they might follow along.
Talk about how tasty the food is and how it makes you feel strong and healthy. When they see you enjoying different foods, it can spark their curiosity.
Large portions can overwhelm kids and make them less willing to eat. Start by giving them a tiny portion of a new food, just one or two bites. If they like it, you can consistently offer more. This way, they don’t feel pressured to eat a lot and may be more willing to try it.
Avoid saying things like, “If you eat your vegetables, you’ll get dessert,” as this can create an unhealthy relationship with food. It can make the vegetables feel like a chore and dessert seem like a prize. Instead, try to keep all foods on an even level. Treating food as a reward can lead to bad habits in the long term.
Letting your child help with meals can make them more interested in eating what’s on their plate. Kids can help with simple tasks like washing vegetables, stirring, or setting tables. They may be more likely to try when they feel like they have a part in making the food. This has positive impact in the parent child relationship.
Kids love creativity, so try making meals visually appealing. Arrange their food into fun shapes or faces. For example, use cucumbers and cherry tomatoes to create a “smiley face” on their plate or cut sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters. A little creativity can make them more curious about the food.
Some days, kids are not hungry, and that’s okay. Forcing them to eat when they’re not hungry can lead to mealtime battles. Respect their appetite and let them decide when they’ve had enough.
Remind yourself that it’s normal for their appetite to change daily. Trust that they’ll eat when they’re starving.
Just because they refused broccoli last week doesn’t mean they’ll never eat it. Keep offering a variety of foods, even if they don’t try them right away. The more you expose them to different foods, the more chances they have to develop a taste for them.
It can be tempting to make a different meal for your picky eater, but this can create more problems in the long run. Instead, serve one meal for the whole family. Include at least one food you know your child likes so they have something to eat. This helps them learn to eat what’s served without expecting special treatment.
If your child is constantly snacking, they may not be hungry at mealtimes. Try to keep snacks healthy and limit them between meals. Offer snacks like fruits, vegetables, or yogurt instead of sweets or chips. This way, they’re more likely to be hungry and ready to eat at mealtimes.
Changing picky eating habits takes time and patience. Don’t give up if your child doesn’t change overnight. Stick with the tips above and keep offering new foods without pressure. Over time, they may become more open to trying different things.
Picky eating can feel like a big challenge, but remember that it’s a normal part of growing up. It’s okay if your child doesn’t eat everything on their plate or if they go through phases of only wanting certain foods.
If you offer a balanced diet and keep mealtimes positive, they will likely get the nutrition they need. The key is to keep mealtimes stress-free, model healthy eating habits, and offer a variety of foods. With patience and persistence, you’ll help your child develop a healthy relationship with food.
Remember, picky eating is usually just a phase. One day, you may be surprised to see them happily eating foods they once turned away!
If you’re struggling with picky eating or any other parenting challenge, Parenting Genie has you covered with comprehensive resources! You can access Parenting Live Expert and Genie Chat, available 24/7 to answer any questions.
Need customised guidance? Book a one-on-one consultation with a Maternal Child Health Nurse for tailored advice for your family’s unique needs. Let Parenting Genie support you every step of the way!
You can check the Raising Children website for more tips and insights.
