by M.A. Dal Cero

Created on: June 05, 2009

It is not uncommon for children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, to be picky eaters, yet it can be a cause of significant worry and concern for parents who want to ensure that their children meet the recommended daily nutritional requirements. It is important to understand that children, like adults, will simply dislike certain types of food. This may be due to the textural qualities that a food possesses, or because a food is either bitter, spicy, too salty, or too sour. The good news is that most children will eventually outgrow this picky stage, but, in the meantime, there are several ways you can make sure that your child is receiving all the necessary nutrients that he or she requires.

~ Do not force a child to eat foods that he or she dislikes.

First and foremost, it is not healthy to force a child to eat a food that he or she strongly dislikes. This behavior can cause children to develop an unhealthy attitude toward food, and, in extreme cases, might result in an eating disorder further down the line. Instead, it is far more productive to require that a child taste a food before making the decision that it is unappealing. Often, many parents, and their picky children, are astonished to find that a food that was once looked upon with revulsion actually tastes quite good to the child, and may even become a new favorite.

~ Offer a healthy, appealing alternative to a food that is disliked.

After your child has tried a particular food, yet finds that it is not appealing, simply offer him or her a healthy alternative in its place. For example, suppose your son or daughter has tried a small piece of broccoli, yet still finds it a highly undesirable vegetable. Praise your child for trying it, and then simply ask him or her to choose either a fruit or vegetable to replace it. It is important to remember that fruit provides many of the same essential nutrients that vegetables do, and, therefore, it will not cause your child any harm to favor fruits, or for you to use them as a healthy alternative to vegetables. Also, the chances are quite high that, over time, your child will eventually develop a taste for vegetables, and there will undoubtedly be at least one or two that will be considered a favorite.

~ Avoid arguing with your child about food, and refrain from criticism and bribery.

Again, this behavior does little to encourage healthy eating habits, and it causes a high degree of stress and strain at mealtimes. Children cannot control

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