If you’re a worried parent of a picky eater, try these tips.
• Introduce food in calm, reassuring manner.
• Never force a feeding.
• Be content if your picky eater just goes for a taste on the first try. Maybe he’d be adventurous enough to chew and swallow the same food the next time.
• Let your child get used to a certain food a little at a time. He’ll soon learn to like it.
• Never make an issue out of finishing or not finishing every food you serve. Kids may develop an unhealthy view of food as they grow up.
• Maximize every bite. For example, substitute white bread with whole wheat, junk food with fresh fruits. Skip ice cream, cake, and other sweets especially near mealtime.
• Serve food in an attractive way and closest to its natural state. Kids are attracted to crispness and color.
• Serve food in bite sizes to avoid the risk of choking.
Remember, youngsters thrive on routine and are often resistant to change. They also take their cue from you. Thus if you refuse to eat your veggies, don’t expect your children to eat theirs. Instead, be a good example in eating healthful foods. Eat as often as possible with them, too, and they will acquire a taste for healthy food.
Family Meals
Make each mealtime a pleasant experience for your child by following these tips:
• Involve your child in meal preparation. It helps increase his or her interest in new or unfamiliar food.
• Include at least one of your child’s preferred foods.
• Offer a variety of colors and textures.
• Serve in child-size proportions.
• Tolerate your child’s table manners. Let a child be a child.
• Select chairs, tables and dishes that are suitable in structure and size for your child.
• Serve meals and snacks just before your child becomes hungry, irritable and tired.
• Make mealtime a family time so you can teach nutrition by example.
Read More: http://healthmad.com/children/dealing-with-a-picky-eater/
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