One of the first things our pediatrician warned us about was pickiness at our daughter's first year appointment. My wife and I waved it off because my daughter's appetite matched one of a full grown man. Aside from broccoli and ground beef, all food was fair game. That is, until a month ago. My daughter started suddenly turning her nose up at food we never had any trouble with before and there's more and more of her meals making their way to the floor. I know many parents are dealing with with same issue. So today's post will discuss some tips on how to deal with our little picky eaters.
6 Tips on How to Handle Picky Eaters
1. Don't force foods
If a child is refusing to eat certain foods or eat, it is important not to force them. Toddlers are beginning to understand their bodies hunger cues and forcing them to eat when they are not hungry can be confusing and even encourage them to distrust their bodies cues for when they are or are not hungry. So avoid punishing your child for not eating or making them eat whatever you have made. I know we wouldn't want to be forced to eat something we don't like so why should we do that to our kids?
2. Offer a Variety of Foods in Different Ways
Just because your toddler does not like chicken one way, does not mean he or she may not like it in another way. Don't be afraid to try to spice it up! Try different herbs, spices, and ways to make foods that your toddler may have turned their noses up at. Offer new foods in small amounts to avoid waste and do not be discouraged if they do not like what you made. They are trying to figure out what they like just as much as we are.
3. Try Again
We were and are struggling with this tip in our house. We are quick to rule out foods at the first sign that our daughter does not like something. Our mentality was that we did not want to continue fighting her to eat something she didn't like and waste food. But as you may know, Toddlers are anything but consistent. One day they may love a certain food and the next you find it all over the floor. It can take up to trying a food ten times for a toddler's tastebuds to learn to like it (Healthychildren.org) . Make sure you try foods you know they may not like when they are hungry. Avoid giving snacks before trying foods again to ensure that they have the appetite for it.
4. Include your Toddler in Meal Prep
Include your toddler in the food making process. Give your child options for what they can have during their meals. "Do you want to have green beans or broccoli with your lunch today?" Toddlers are beginning to explore their independence and want to do more and more things on their own, include them in the food making process so that they feel like have some control in what they eat. Have them help in making meals; have them stir, gather and add ingredients so they are including in the meal prep. We have a toddler tower stool so that our daughter can climb up and watch what we are doing while we cook.
5. Food Makeover
There is a reason why food presentation is so important in the restaurant industry. Food presentation encourages people to want to eat and try new things. Add a little fun into how to present your food to your toddler. Use a cookie cutter to cut food into fun shapes that toddlers recognize. Arrange food in fun ways, or include colorful foods to catch their attention. Offer dips for veggies for them and give them the opportunity to eat finger foods. Make mealtime fun and engaging so they want to try whatever is on their plates.
6. Limit Distractions and Screentime During Mealtime
This was the first thing our pediatrician said to do regarding mealtime. She said establish a no device policy during mealtimes. Mealtime is about quality family time, enjoying each other's company, and establishing connection. TV or phone usage at the table can cause a disconnect and unnecessary distraction away from the family and the food they are supposed to be eating.
Conclusion
Toddlerhood is a wild experience for both parents and children. Parents are still trying to get to know their toddler and what they like and toddlers are trying to figure that out for themselves. It can be a very frustrating and overwhelming time, but hopefully with some of these tips mealtime can be filled with fun and less food making its way to your floors. Don't get discouraged if some of these tips don't work for you. All kids are different and what works for us may not work for you, but the important thing is that you take a breath and keep trying new things. There are plenty of more tips and advice out there and don't be afraid to ask your pediatrician for help.
Thanks for Reading!
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References
Donovan, L. (2023, June 27). How to handle picky eaters. ZERO TO THREE. https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/how-to-handle-picky-eaters/
Gavin, M. L. (Ed.). (2021, January). Toddlers at the table: Avoiding power struggles (for parents) - nemours kidshealth. KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toddler-meals.html
Mgunter. (2023, April 13). How to deal with a picky Eater Toddler. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-overcome-your-childs-picky-eating-habits/
10 tips for parents of picky eaters. HealthyChildren.org. (n.d.). https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Picky-Eaters.aspx
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