Stop Worrying! You can be in control.
Have you ever stopped to wonder how a 3 year old started bossing you around? If you aren’t careful you may groom a child that only Super Nanny can help wean off of chicken fingers and fries. Even if you have the pickiest eater in the world, there are ways you can get your child to eat good, nutritious food. Try these steps to help your child eat better:
- Give them a few choices (two – three). By giving your child choices you are empowering him/her so they feel like they have some control. So for instance, you may want to offer them an apple or grapes as a snack.
- Do not make completely separate meals for your child. If you are serving meatloaf and they do not like meatloaf, then they can eat the side dishes. Don't worry if they don't eat at all, when they are hungry enough, they will eat.
- Continue to offer foods your child turns down. Many kids will try a new food after it has been offered to them several times (it may take 10 or more tries).
- Have them help with food preparation. Even very little children can do this. Last year I had my then 2 year old niece help me make her birthday cake. I gave her the ingredients and she would dump them into the Kitchen Aid (and then proceed to lick the butter wrapper after she dumped a stick of butter in). By having children help with food preparation they take more ownership and pride in the food they are eating.
- Give your toddler vitamins and supplements to ensure they are getting the essential nutrients they need each day. This way if they have a bad day and do not eat their servings of fruits and vegetables or drink enough milk, you can rest assured. Liquid supplements are great for children since they are so easy to swallow.
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