How to Handle a Picky Eater

If your children are picky eaters, you can encourage them to try different foods without sounding like a member of the food police. Just follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Introduce new foods gradually. Subtly put a new item on a child's plate. Let her know things about it, its smell and shape, but do not put any type of emphasis on how it tastes.

2. Make healthy foods fun. You can cut fruits and vegetables in new shapes or allow the child to use a dipping sauce when eating.

3. Set a good example. If your child notices the healthy food that you eat, he will mimic you and begin to consume the same types of food.

4. Allow the child to choose his foods. Bring the child along shopping and permit him to pick out items in the fruit, vegetables and dairy aisles.

5. Sneak healthy foods into meals. Look for recipes that have fruits and vegetables mixed in. If your child loves macaroni and cheese, mix in some broccoli and chicken.

6. Minimize distractions during mealtimes. This will allow the child to focus more on eating and perhaps try some of the new food that you have placed on her plate.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't force feed a child. It will only cause a power struggle between the two of you.

• Don't use food as a punishment. This will only cause the picky eating behavior to continue.

• Don't worry too much about a picky eater's nutrition. As long as you provide a vitamin supplement, the child will typically get enough vitamins and minerals.