Don’t give up on your picky eaters

Toddlers wouldn’t earn their reputations without being the picky
eaters that they are. However, this should be understood as a developmental phase out of which only
time and parental help can help pass out of.

Here are a few simple things to help you deal
with the picky eater situation:

• Make sure that you serve small portions regularly
  
• Offer your child food that looks tasty and appetizing
• Don’t force your
  toddlers to empty their plates
• Don’t bribe them to eat
• Offer a balanced
  and healthy diet

There are also ways of making your children’s mealtimes
interesting:

• Set regular mealtimes so that your toddler starts to get hungry before
  feeding time
• Make them new, healthy and colorful snacks so they look forward to
  mealtime
• Serve snacks in their favorite ‘nibble plate’
• Mix up their
  favorite food stuffs with the stuff they don’t like to eat e.g. vegetables
• Eat as a
  family. This way children can feel like being part of a fun activity

Above all, be
patient. If your toddlers don’t eat at their regular time, try offering them the same after one
hour. It is also important for your toddler not to be distracted with toys and television during
mealtimes.