Tips for Parents of Picky Eaters

 Is your young child a picky eater?  If so, you aren’t alone.  At this age, children are trying to be more independent which may result in them asserting themselves more and refusing to eat certain foods or not at all.  Rest assured this is a normal part of your child’s development.  Here are some tips to help you move through this challenging time:
• Serve small portions and let your child ask for more.
• Serve a new food with a food that your child likes.
• Allow your child to help prepare meals.
• Limit distractions at mealtimes such as television or other electronic devices.
• Be a good role model. Eat a variety of food and eat as a family and talk about the new foods you are trying.
• Don’t worry too much if he skips a meal.  Young children are naturally smart eaters.  She will eat when she is hungry and stop when she is full.
• Be sure that she doesn’t fill up on milk, juice and other sweet drinks between meals.  Offer water when she is thirsty.
• Make food fun to eat:
– Cut sandwiches into fun shapes
– Gives small pieces of baked chicken or veggies with dip such as hummus, yogurt, or low-fat ranch dressing
– Provide healthy ingredients for your child to build her own pizza
• Be creative at adding fruits and vegetables to meals:
– Try smoothies with berries, a banana and low-fat yogurt
– Add shredded or chopped vegetables to pasta or rice
• Limit junk food at home.
• Don’t be a short-order cook. Don’t prepare foods that she prefers if she refuses to eat the meal you prepared for the family.
• Don’t offer dessert as a reward. This can be confusing to a young child and send the message that dessert is the best food.
Change will take time, so remember to be very patient with your child.  Small steps taken each day can help guide your child to a lifetime of healthy eating.  If you are concerned that your child’s eating habits are affecting her growth and development, be sure to consult her doctor.
Christine Goulet is a Registered Dietitian for the WIC Nutrition Program. This program offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, checks for healthy foods, and referrals to qualifying women, infants and children under five years of age.
To see if you qualify for the WIC Program, call 818-361-7541.