Tips For Picky Eaters... Children Nutrition

Your kid may start to refuse to eat some foods, become a very picky eater or even go on binges where they will only want to eat a certain food. An important way that kids learn to be independent is through establishing independence about feeding. Even though your child may not be eating as well rounded a diet as you would like, as long as your child is growing normally and has a normal energy level, there is probably little to worry about. Remember that early childhood is a period in his development where he is not growing very fast and doesn't need a lot of calories.

You may feel discouraged as you tried so hard but got so little response from your sweet one. You may even get angry with him for not appreciating your efforts to create wholesome and nutritious meals. All these feelings, if not kept in check, can aggravate the situation. So, let us find out why a child is a fussy eater.

There are many reasons why a child refuses food. The causes may be medical in nature if a child was born premature and had problems sucking and swallowing at birth. However that only affects a small percentage of fussy eaters. The majority are going through 'food fads' or 'food refusal' stages, which may be rather a way of asserting independence as the child grows up. Alternatively food refusal may be a form of manipulative behavior displayed by a child as a way of getting attention from his parents or caregiver. What is important is to understand that food refusal is a phase which will pass with time. Here are ways to deal with it: �

My child refuses milk �

First, try to flavor milk or milkshakes as children often prefer these alternatives to milk. If this tactic does not work, try dairy food such as cheese, ice-cream and yogurt. If your child still refuses to drink milk then check them for food allergies. Maybe your baby is allergic to milk products and that is why refuses it. �

My 4 years old daughter refuses to eat meat

Meat can be disguised in less recognizable forms such as chicken nuggets, fish fingers, fish balls, fish cakes and minced meat which may be more acceptable to children. Remember to finely cut the meat for easy chewing. �

My child refuses green vegetables

Vegetables may smell stronger if overcooked, especially green leafy ones, so make it a point to cook it right. Try peas, corn, carrots, and potatoes instead. Mix different green vegetables with starch vegetables together. �

The trick with fussy eaters is to let them try different kinds of foods and to make eating less stressful. Remember, that average weight gain for a child is 6.5 kg every year after that. As long as your child is active, with boundless energy and growing well, there is no need to be overly concerned. �

10 commandments of dealing with a fussy eater �

1. A fussy eater will not starve. If he does not eat enough food today, he will balance his intake over the next few days. �

2. Never, never, never force feed a child as it does not work. Always use gentle encouragement instead. Try again at the next mealtime. �

3. Be realistic at the amount of food he can eat in one time. Start with small portions and refill his plate on request. �

4. Children tend to be 'grazers'. Small frequent snacks may be the way to go rather than 3 main meals a day. Choose healthy snacks like bread, plain biscuits, cheese, fruits or a hard-boiled egg in between meals. �

5. Vary the texture; add garnishing to stir interest in your child. �

6. Children like to feel important and 'grown-up' by participating in food selection and preparation. They enjoy the experience of choosing the type of food and amount to eat. Seek their opinion rather than just serve food to them. �

7. Encourage self-feeding, frightening as it may sound, conjuring up images of spillage and breaking crockery! Kids like to feel part of the meal process. Use only plastic ware. �

8. Always use simple cooking methods so that you will not wind up feeling frustrated at you child for not appreciating your time spent in the kitchen to create his meals.

9. Limit meal time to 20 minutes. Remove his food from the table after that and do not show signs of anger or offer milk or potato chips immediately. �

10. Ensure your child has interaction with other children such as at play school so that with time and pressure from his peers, your child will eventually adopt good eating habits.