Is Your Child a Picky Eater?

November 24th, 2011

If your toddler lives on bread and cheese, here's how you can get him to expand his food repertoire.

by: Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

Picky Eaters

Picky eating is a common developmental behavior and is about control, not taste.
Start introducing new tastes and textures early to help prevent bad habits from forming.
Use words like "special treat" to describe broccoli and carrots, not chocolate and cookies.
Put new foods on your child's plate first.
Aim for one bite (or even a lick!) of the new food and go from there.

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rustrated by your picky eater? Don't worry, your toddler isn't destined for a life of chicken nuggets and white bread. Here's how to handle a picky eater.

Why are some kids picky eaters?

Most toddlers are particular when it comes to eating – it's a common developmental behavior that has little to do with the taste of food and is more about wanting control. Saying "no" to foods is a great way to get a response from mom. This makes eating fun – for your kid, not you.

Don't fall into the trap of offering bland, unhealthy foods as a replacement for flavorful, healthy ones. If you continue to offer a variety of healthy options, your little one will grow to accept them. We're not saying it will be easy, but here's how to make things go a little more smoothly:

Start new foods early >>

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Is Your Child a Picky Eater?

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Picky Eaters

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Why are some kids picky eaters?