Children that are deemed "picky eaters" may not really be picky at all. The first 3 years of a child's life are major growth years. These periods of growth happen in spurts. During a slow growth spurt a child may know instinctively that they need fewer calories. During times of sudden growth these same children eat normally or quite a lot. Parents only seem to notice or worry about the times when children eat less than they expect of their children. It is not something to worry about unless the child is not eating anything at all for a long period of time.

Toddlers are also very busy exploring their environment. Food may not be something new and interesting. They may rather be playing. Try different foods if you believe this may be the case with your child. Try dinner for breakfast or breakfast for dinner. Try small amounts of foods that you may not like yourself. Allow the child to handle and play with the food. This is part of exploring. Change things up drastically, but with a cautious eye open for potential food allergies. It is possible for children to become bored with the same foods. Children need variety too. Imagine if you were only offered meatloaf every day. You would eventually lose interest in eating it.

It is not a good idea to insist that your child finish their entire meal or drink a full glass of milk. Children know when they are full and when they have had enough. By forcing food on your child you could cause food issues for your child that will last into adulthood. Tempting your child with desserts or other sweets is not a good idea either. Desserts should be an occasional thing or even something done very rarely. Sweets and sugary foods are not a necessary part of everyday life.

If your child seems to fixate on a single food item, allow them to go through the period with little interference. If your child only wants to eat cheese offer fruit slices or juice with the cheese. After a week of only cheese and fruit your child will be interested in other foods again. Children will also sometimes accept new foods in different settings or from other family members. Maybe your child would like sweet potatoes at Grandma's house or spinach at a resturant.

It is okay to make sure the food is available in several varieties and in sufficient quantities. Allow your child to tell you when they are hungry and when they are full. Remember that as your child grows and changes so will their tastes and appetites change.

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