How to get your child to eat healthy

Tips and advice for the parents of picky eaters.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. So you are raising a picky eater. This is a frustrating time for a parent and it can actually make life difficult. The first change has to be the parent. The parent must first understand that picky eating is more of a behavior issue than it is an eating issue, and like dealing with behavior issues parental follow through is key. Talk with your pediatrician about the health and weight of your child, and discuss the changes that you are going to make in your child's routine.

2. Look at food in quality instead of quantity. So many parents are willing to let their children snack on junk food just to get them to put something in their stomach. Huge mistake. First, it teaches the child that if they don't eat a healthy dinner they are later given treats. Second, you fill your child with empty calories that will cause obesity and health problems in the future. If the child is of a reasonable weight (not malnourished) it is perfectly acceptable to withhold any snacks until the next meal. In the same respect understand that eating a healthy variety of food may not mean they "clean their plate." Let your child stop when they are full as long as they have eaten a couple bites of everything put on their plate.

3. Make food fun. Include the kids in meal preparation. Let them try different things. Some children will be more inclined to eat something that they assisted in making. Be creative. Make banana people using raisins and dried apricots. Let them top their own home made personal pizzas with the veggies that they like. Think outside the box. Your child may not be into cooked vegetables right now but may love dipping raw veggies in ranch dressing.

4. Change your own eating habits. No child will eat chicken breast and broccoli if other family members are snacking on chips. Everyone in the household will need to take part in this.

5. Eating preferences change for children and adults. One day they hate carrots, a couple months later they love carrots. Keep offering foods even if they say they don't like it. Soon there will come a time when dinner isn't a power struggle.

Tips & Warnings

• Have open communication with your child's doctor. Healthy eating habits are one of the most important things that you can teach your child. Children should have regular medical exams and weight issues should be discussed with their doctor.

[moslemwriter]

on 12/14/2009 love the tips

[maryellen1001]

on 11/6/2008 I have both a picky eater and a kid who will at least TRY anything. You're tips are all so true!