Dear Gregory:

You are welcome. The Mayo clinic/.. children’s health website suggests the following regarding young children who are picky eaters (“so selective”), the following quoted information reads very good to me. Let me know if it is clear to you, and if you would like me to repeat any of it in my own words:

“1. If your child isn’t hungry, don’t force a meal or snack… don’t bribe or force your child to eat certain foods or clean his or her plate. This might only ignite- or reinforce- a power struggle over food. In addition, your child might come to associate mealtime with anxiety and frustration…

Serve small portions to avoid overwhelming your child and give him or her the opportunity to independently ask for more.

2. Stick to the Routine- Serve meals and snacks at about the same times every day… You can provide milk or 100  percent juice with the food, but offer water in between meals and snacks. Allowing your child to fill up on juice, milk or snacks throughout the day might decrease his appetite for meals.

3. Be patient with new foods- Young children often touch or smell new foods, and might even put tiny bits in their mouths and then take them back out again. Your child might need repeated exposure to a new food before he takes the first bite.. Serve new foods along with your child’s favorite foods. Keep serving your child healthy choices until they become familiar and preferred.

4. Encourage your child to stay at the table for the designated mealtime- even if he doesn’t eat.

5. Make it fun- Serve broccoli and other veggies with a favorite dip or sauce. Cut foods into various shapes.. Serve a variety of brightly colored foods.

6. Recruit your child’s help-  At the grocery store, ask your child to help you select fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods. Don’t buy anything that you don’t want your child to eat. At home, encourage your child to help you rinse veggies, stir batter or set the table.

7. Set a good example-  If you eat a variety of healthy foods, you child is more likely to follow suit.

8. Be creative- Add chopped broccoli or green peppers to spaghetti sauce, top cereal with fruit slices, or mix grated zucchini and carrots into casseroles and soups.

9. Minimize distractions- Turn off the television and other electronic gadgets during meals. This will help your child focus on eating. Keep in mind that television advertising might also encourage your child to desire sugary or less nutritious foods.

10. Don’t offer dessert as a reward- withholding dessert sends the message that dessert is the best food, which might only increase your child’s desire for sweets. You might select one or two nights a week as dessert nights, and skip dessert the rest of the week- or redefine dessert as fruit, yogurt or other healthy choices.

If you’re concerned that picky eating is compromising your child’s growth and development, consult your child’s doctor… remember that your child’s eating habits won’t likely change overnight- but the small steps you take each day can help promote a lifetime of healthy eating.”

anita

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