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Children's nutrition: 10 tips for picky eaters
6. Set a good example
If you eat a variety of healthy foods, your child is more likely to follow suit.
7. Be sneaky
Add chopped broccoli or green peppers to spaghetti sauce, top cereal with fruit slices, or mix grated zucchini and carrots into casseroles and soups.
8. Minimize distractions
Turn off the television during meals, and don't allow books or toys at the table.
9. Don't offer dessert as a reward
Withholding dessert sends the message that dessert is the best food, which may 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.
10. Don't be a short order cook
Preparing a separate meal for your child after he or she rejects the original meal may encourage your child's picky eating. Keep serving your child healthy choices until they become familiar and preferred.
If you're concerned that picky eating is compromising your child's growth and development or if certain foods make your child ill, consult your child's doctor. In the meantime, 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.
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- Ten do's for dealing with a picky eater. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3033903. Accessed April 21, 2009.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. The use and misuse of fruit juice in pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2001;107:1210.
- Start with small portions. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/HealthyHabits/portions.html. Accessed April 21, 2009.
- Follow a meal and snack schedule. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/HealthyHabits/mealsnackschedule.html. Accessed April 21, 2009.
- Help them know when they've had enough. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/HealthyHabits/whentheyvehadenough.html. Accessed April 21, 2009.
- Parenting corner Q&A: Nutrition. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_WhatsToEat.htm. Accessed May 18, 2009.
- Cathey M, et al. Picky eating: A toddler's approach to mealtime. Pediatric Nursing. 2004;30:101
- Nelson J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 20, 2009.
