Fussy Food Eater: How To Handle One?

It's perfectly normal for preschoolers or even older kids to -object to the shape, color, or texture of a food - or to suddenly decide that they hate foods they loved yesterday.

It's also common for them to have what experts call food jags. That is, they insist on eating the same few foods at every meal. Picky eating can also be a preschooler's way of declaring his/her independence ("You can't make me eat that"). It may have less to do with the actual food than a need to test the limits of your authority and assert some control over his/her life.

To begin with you need to understand that your toddler has an innate sense of how much food his/her body needs to grow and be healthy, and it's up to them to decide what they're going to eat. The best thing you can do is provide a wide variety of healthy food in a positive, relaxed environment so mealtimes are enjoyable for everyone. Here are some specific tips on how to handle a picky eater:

#1 Create A Positive Environment:

Anger can turn mealtimes into a stressful occasion which can make the problem worse. Praise your child for good manners, and performance at school and keep conversation light when they try new food. Seeing other family members eating and enjoying a range of different foods may help encourage your child to be more adventurous.

#2 Avoid Grazing Between Mealtimes:

Filling up on less nutritious snacks before mealtimes can fill empty stomachs and make it even harder to get your child to try healthy food. Likewise, giving your child a sandwich or some chips after they haven't eaten their meal tells them that if they refuse healthy food they will get something else later.

#3 Stay Realistic: