How to Help Young Picky Eaters Get Through The Picky Eating Stage

Does this sound familiar? "Yuk! I'm not eating dinner. I don't like anything here." If you have a picky eater in your household - and most families do, there are some easy ways to help her get through this stage.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Keep conversation at mealtime light and keep your cool. If your child says she doesn't like the food, don't push her to eat more. Instead try to find out what she likes by serving small portions, and encourage her to try a bit of each item. Stay calm and don't let food become a power struggle between you and your child.

2. 
   Let kids help to cook!

   Have your child involved in preparing meals. You can let her help you shop for food, pick out recipes, While she watch you cook or cooking together, you can talk about how to make a healthy meal and give her choice. For example you can ask her if she prefer to have grilled chicken or fish. Having a say lets her feel more important and in control and she’ll be more likely to eat the meal she help prepared.

3. Don’t give up on the foods that your children have turned down before so quickly. Over time, her tastes might change. Try cooking and offering the food in a different way. For instance, make “carrot fries” (baked carrots that sticks with olive oil, salt and pepper). Your child who disliked carrots might just love this version!

4. Watch the clock around the meal time and make sure your child is hungry for meals. Encourage her to be busy with homework or play before dinner or lunch, and it's important no snacks of any kind an hour before mealtime. This step is very important because she won't eat much no matter what you server her if she is not hungry!

Resources

• My work at home and parenting blog

[Pamelateda]

on 11/29/2008 One of my grand kids is such a picky eater! Thanks for the information.