How to Encourage a Picky Child to Eat

Parents of a picky child are often left feeling frustrated over their child's eating habits. Small children may decide they only want to eat one type of food, or they may pick at their plates during meals. Either way, parents are left to wonder if their child is receiving the proper nutrition. To help ease your mind, there are a few things you can do to encourage your child to eat a little better until they grow out of this stage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Bite size snacks
• Dipping sauce
• Muffin pan

1. Lower your expectations. Toddlers and young children don't need to eat as much as adults. A child's stomach is only about the size of their fist. Believe them when they tell you they are full after only eating a small amount.
2. Fill a muffin pan with nutritional bite-size snacks and leave it within your child's reach. They will be able to nibble on the snacks while playing. Replace food after 1 to 2 hours to ensure freshness.
3. Include your children in meal planning. Let each child take turns picking a side dish for one meal a day. Give them a choice of dishes to choose from.
4. Allow your children to help prepare the meal. Even a toddler can sit at the table and help you add ingredients or stir a dish. They will be more likely to try a dish they helped create.
5. Put a spoonful of each food on your child's plate every meal. Even if it doesn't get eaten, keep offering the same food over and over. Eventually, your picky eater will try it.
6. Offer a dipping sauce. Kids like to play with their food. Having cheese, yogurt or salad dressing to dip fruits and vegetables in will make eating more fun.
7. Cut back on milk and juice to keep your child from filling up on drinks instead of food. Young children only need 2 cups of milk and 6 oz. of juice a day.

Tips & Warnings

• Have patience. Picky eating is usually just a stage most children grow out of. Before you know it, they'll be preteens you can't seem to fill up.
• Be careful to avoid foods that are a choking hazard. Make sure all finger foods are cut small enough for toddlers. Fruit should be thinly sliced and vegetables should be cooked and sliced.