Parents often experience really hard time with picky eaters at home, who often eat the same food all the three-four times a day or eat nothing at all. You should show high level of patience in dealing with children, who display selective eating disorder. Here are some tips on how to handle a picky eater.
Understand the reality that picky eating is just a passing stage
The truth is that fussy eating or picky eating is just a phase of childhood that is generally overcome with age. Normally, kids in the age group of two to three years tend to be picky eaters, the reasons for which can be diverse. You need not get panicked or frustrated at this peculiar behavior as long as your child is healthy and is growing properly.
As toddlers are restless and are on the go mood all the time, they find lots of other things more interesting when compared to chewing food. When beautiful dolls and colorful building blocks are waiting for them, how can they âwasteâ their time in eating food? Relax at the thought that this is just a passing stage in their life. But, as parents you have to inculcate great eating habits that will last a lifetime. However, you should be alert about certain erratic eating habits, if you feel that it is caused by some underlying health issues. If your child completely refuses foods or liquids and his/her weight falls below the required weight significantly, do not hesitate to consult a pediatrician.
Respect your child’s appetite
Learn to respect your childâs appetite and do not force food on child if he/she is consistently telling that he/she is not hungry. Compelling snacks or foods when the child is not hungry can create a power struggle over food. This will make meal time, a time of anxiety and tension for the child, eventually leading to hatred towards certain foods.
You may not be able to implement the ideal food habit of three meals a day, and two well-spaced snacks for your child. But, ensure that you give small portions of food at regular intervals and let the child ask for more food. As toddlers need high energy levels to keep their body growing and active, they need to eat well. They may like to binge on food while they are playing. Therefore it is advisable to place small portions of food on tables that can be easily accessed by the kids. When they are on the move, they may pause and binge on it. Give more emphasis on nutritional content in food rather than the quantity of food.
Involve the child in the food buying and preparation process
Make it a habit to engage your fussy eating toddler in the shopping, cooking, and serving process of food. Ask your child to select the foods that he/she likes and buy them. Encourage your child to choose healthy foods such as fruits and veggies. You can ask your kid to set table for dinner and appreciate him/her for doing it. Seek your childâs help in washing veggies and other simple tasks, and make him/her feel that he/she is also part of the whole food making process. The child will become automatically interested and happy in easting those foods for the making of which he/she lent a helping hand.
Use creativity and make food eating a fun-filled experience
Kids are always attracted towards cute and colorful objects â be it toys or foods. Therefore, use your imagination and try to make foods as attractive as possible without spoiling the nutritional content. Cook foods in the right way and avoid frying. You can steam, bake, broil, and grill foods and can serve them with a favorite dip or sauce. Kids often find dipping as a fun-filled activity, and they may be drawn to these kinds of foods. Cut veggies and fruits in cute, attractive shapes. Prepare sandwiches by making funny faces or shapes with sauces and butter. Serve fruits, vegetables, granola bars, whole grains and other high nutritious foods at constant intervals. Make salads with colorful variety of veggies such as multi-colored capsicums, cabbages, and broccoli.
Be patient and make mealtime a pleasant experience
When you are introducing a new food, do not be over enthusiastic and do not expect so much from your picky eater. You should not get irritated by their erratic gestures such as touching it doubtfully and tasting it with weird expressions. They may put some bits in their mouth and may take or spit them out. These habits are natural in most of the toddlers and be patient with them. Scolding will not help and they may create a habit of rejecting food just to make you angry. Offer new foods regularly and repeated exposure may force them to taste it. Never categorize foods as good and bad. Always serve new foods with your childâs favorite food so that some interest in food eating can be kindled. Always display a positive approach while feeding your child and refrain from being aggressive or emotional. Never feed your toddler with too much liquid that may kill their appetite. Ensure that every meal time offers a relaxed and positive setting. Stay away from family battles, conflicts, and arguments at meal time and keep all distractions such as TV, toys, or games at bay. Stick to strict routine and time table for food.
