Dr. Pat’s Health Tips: Picky Eaters

Eating is a hot topic at doctor visits for children of all ages. Even more than adults, kids go through phases with eating…a food they loved one week is taboo the next.

I tell parents that many toddlers average one good meal every other day… it may simply not happen that your little one eats green vegetables every day. You keep offering them, but more often than not, they aren’t being eaten.

These phases are normal…yes, picky eaters are normal! And since the rate of your child’s growth slows down dramatically in the second and third years, appetites are smaller too.

Is there hope for healthy nutrition at these tender ages? Yes, but you must lay the groundwork.

• Be upbeat and positive about healthy food choices. You should decide what is offered and when the meals and snacks are given. Your youngster must choose from what you have served, but be sure to include some favorites.
• Set regular times for meals and snacks, more frequently for younger children. Eating should be at the table (or for the younger set, the high chair), not on the floor while playing or watching TV.
• Allow your child to decide how much he eats and even whether he eats or not. If your child wants to leave the table without eating at all, it is a mistake to try to force him to eat. He will eat when he is hungry, and that’s OK. At the next meal or snack your child may be more willing.
• Eat together. You set an example when eating healthy foods.
• Involve older kids in planning and preparing meals.

Children who control their own intake eat better and ultimately choose more variety than children who are forced or pushed to eat. Nutrition Explorations by The National Dairy Council has many ideas for fostering healthy eating with your child. Try their fun facts and games with your kids.

So how to get a picky eater to eat? Put him in charge, sit back and…be patient!