by Chrissy Harrison

Created on: October 27, 2008   Last Updated: March 22, 2012

Picky eating is a very common childhood occurrence, starting from the first solid foods. Typically picky eating never really ends for most people, but until they are able to buy our own food choices, we as parents need to help our children learn to eat properly, and to get adequate nutrition. It can be very frustrating at times when you spend time making a delicious family meal, and when everyone is sitting at the table eating, there is your toddler, not wanting to even take a taste. Trying solutions, like making alternatives or trying to force the child to eat will just be creating even more frustrating future behavior at the dinner table.

The New Meal

Typically, it will take around 10 times of you putting the same new food in front of a young child before he or she will even make an attempt to try it. So try not to stress when your toddler turns up their nose. While making this new choice to serve to your child, try showing the child how you make it to make them more encouraged with the meal if appropriate let them help make it with you. Ask the child if he or she would like to taste the new food before it is served to the table. Describe how delicious it is, and how much you like it. If a child tries a new food, don't push it, you cannot force even a child to like something.

Big Servings

For most children, and adults alike, a huge plate of food sitting in front of them at the table or restaurant can be very intimidating. Just looking at a larger than appetite portion on a plate can make you feel full just looking at it. It is always better to start out with small amounts and saving more for a second helping.

Choice Words

Children look up to their parents, and try to be just like them. When eating a meal try to never say that you don't like something that your eating. Make it a point to not show any signs of dislike, and ask everyone else in the family or at a table to do the same. When a child hears works like "I don't want to eat that, I don't like it, or thats gross", they will too mimic that as well. Keep positive about the foods your eating and show your child how much you enjoy different things.

The Sneaky Parent

When simple tricks are still not getting your child to eat a completely nutritious meal, try to get creative. If your child loves grilled cheese sandwiches, try adding a scrambled egg to the sandwich before frying to add extra protien. Does your child want nothing but maccaroni and cheese? Puree vegtables and add them in (try squash or another similar in colour vegtable). You could try a fun approch by making their meals in to faces or animals. Or try finding healthier or homemade versions of their favorites.

All things take time, and it's best to stay patient and very creative.

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