Eight Tips for dads trying to feed finicky eaters

1. Use smaller portions so
   neither you nor your toddler feel that the goal is impossible. 
   The correct serving for a toddler is roughly ¼ or less of what you would eat.
2. Remember that some kids
   just have more sensitive palates than others. Additionally, this sensitivity can also be toward
   color and texture of the food. Think of foods you hated as a child and how the entire experience
   was distasteful.  Some kids just are more choosey about
   their foods due to this sensitivity and it is not an indication that they are spoiled or have
   some character flaw that you can “cure.”
3. Look for ways to make sure your child gets nutritional value from the
   meals he does eat by sneaking in protein or fruit into things that he eats without any
   problems.
4. Try to
   minimize distractions at the table. Toys, cartoons, other playing children nearby all can work
   to distract a child who might otherwise eat. 
5. Take time at the dinner
   table to make sure your child eats without a fight. Moms will often rush to find other eating
   solutions, including feeding a child dessert to make sure he gets something in his stomach. Dads
   quite often are willing to engage in the battle of the wills to see who will break
   first.  If dad is positive and encouraging, he’ll often
   find an eater at some point.
6. Don’t use sugary foods to get your child to eat more. You’re just setting him up for
   rejecting a broader range of foods.
7. Try to offer new foods when you know your child is hungry.  If your child had a snack an hour before dinner and you
   choose that  meal to introduce lima beans, you’re heading
   for a  failure.
8. Serve a broad range of food at very meal and don’t make a big
   deal out of a new food.  Kids take a lot of cues from
   you and will be wary if they see you acting suspiciously.

Bon Appetit!