How To Cope With Your Picky Eater

***I have four kids of my own and we are almost all through the picky stage. The tips below are very helpful!

A picky eater will eat just a few foods and does not want to try new foods. Almost every child goes through a stage like this. It is not easy for the parents. It is especially hard if the child’s growth slows down, too.

What Makes A Child Picky?
Every child is different, of course. Some need the extra attention they get by being picky. Others are going through that independent stage. Some really do hate the taste of certain foods.

Will Your Child Out Grow This?
Yes, your child will probably eat just about everything soon. So try to relax about this.

What Can You Do?
Here are some things to help you with your picky eater.

1. Expect that your child will use food to try to get some control over his or her world. Expect some battles. Try not to be too strict or too easy.
2. Expect children to eat small amounts of food. Are they growing well? That is the real test.
3. Expect children to want candy, chips and sweet drinks instead of healthy food and milk. You must set limits and make rules. It’s part of your job.
4. Expect your child to be almost too busy to eat from about 2 to 4 years old. Do things to slow them down before meals. Try a story or quiet time.
5. Let your child see a new food a few times. Then see if you can get them to taste it, even if they don’t swallow it.
6. Serve a very small amount of a new food next to a favorite food.