To Your Health
August, 2009 (Vol. 03, Issue 08) |
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More Do's and Don'ts for Dealing With a Picky Eater
The Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) offers some sound suggestions for what to do (and not to do) when trying to broaden the diet of your picky eater.
These tips are good for children of all ages, but especially younger children just learning about the wonders of food:
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 impatient 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.
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.
DO: Keep an eye on the clock. No juice and snacks for at least one hour before meals. If your child comes to the table hungry, they may be more inclined to eat.
DON'T: Start too big. Offer several different foods in small portions. Let your child choose what they eat.
DO: Limit liquid calories. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products and 100 percent fruit juice can be important parts of a healthy diet, but too much may make your child too full for meals or snacks.
DON'T: Forget about the routine. Serve meals and snacks at about the same times every day. If the kitchen is "closed" at other times, your child may be more likely to eat what's served when it's served.
