Do’s and Don’ts for Dealing With a Picky Eater Part I

Do: Respect your child’s hunger or lack thereof. Young children tend to eat only when they’re hungry. Don’t force food on them when they’re not ready for it.

Don’t: Be patient when introducing new foods. Young children often touch or smell new foods, and may even put tiny bits in their mouths and then take them back out again. They may need repeated exposure to a new food before they take their first real bite.

Do: Make it fun. Serve veggies with a favorite dip or sauce. Cut foods into various shapes with cookie cutters to increase their appeal.

Don’t: Expect too much. After age 2, slower growth often reduces a child’s appetite. A few bites may be all it takes to feel full.

Do: Stay calm. If your child senses you’re unhappy with their eating habits, it may turn into a battle of wills. Threats and punishments only reinforce the power struggle.

Don’t: Mandate the “clean-plate club.” Don’t force your child to finish all the food on their plate. Again, this may facilitate a power struggle. Allow your child to stop eating when they’re full.