photo credit: PBS

Picky Eaters can use a Personalized Name Plate

Many parents would characterize the typical toddler as being a picky eater. Keep in mind that even if your toddler is a picky eater, if he is growing normally and is physically active, with a lot of energy, then his diet is probably okay.  Parents tend to feed their baby’s and toddlers “kid food.” We all know what this is. Its pizza, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, chips, etc. and we know this stuff is not healthy.  So if it is just as easy to open a bag of baby carrots as it is a bag of chips why do are many parents reaching for chips over carrots? Many parents say it is because they have a “picky eater” and these are the only foods the child will eat.

What most parents don’t realize is that all toddlers are picky eaters. And it’s perfectly normal, even expected developmental behavior. It may surprise you to find out that this behavior has very little to do with the taste of food and is mostly about wanting control of a situation. Most toddlers learn very early that eating is very easy to control and it is likely to get a response out of you. This makes it fun (for your kid, not you)!

The big challenge for parents is NOT to give into this behavior, and DON’T fall into the trap of offering bland, unhealthy foods as a replacement for flavorful, healthy foods. This can be a difficult time. Here is our advice:

Parents of picky eaters should remember that:

The typical serving size for a toddler is about 1/4 of what an adult size serving would be, so you would only expect a toddler to eat 1/4 of a slice of bread, 1-2 tablespoons of vegetables, or 1 ounce of meat.  If your toddler is drinking too much milk and/or juice, she may be too full to eat, so follow the typical recommendations of 16-24 ounces of milk and 4-6 ounces of juice.

Most toddlers like to feed themselves, so give them lots of chances. Toddlers will often want to try what their parents are eating and that is a good opportunity to get them to try some new foods, although you may have to offer it several times before they even think of trying it.  So allow your picky eater to try food off of your plate. My pediatrician told me toddlers sometimes prefer to eat what’s on their parents’ plates, as they are aware their food is different. Make sure your child has a chance to see older siblings, cousins, or friends eating a variety of foods. Kids often will follow their lead.

The experts also give suggestions to help you and your picky eater out.  Have your picky eater help in the kitchen by stirring batter and adding spices.

Let your child pick out fruits and veggies at the grocery store.  Being creative with some of the top food choices can also be a bonus. Use cookie cutters to make cucumber stars or apple suns would be an idea. A couple of way to hide the taste would be to dunk fruits and veggies in sauces or dips, or shred carrots and zucchini in casseroles and spaghetti sauce.  A new trend in foods now is the smoothie so; fresh fruit smoothies make a delicious treat — let your child help you peel and add the ingredients.

Tricks and games seem to work great for many parents.  Try using Personalized Plates to make the meal fun and encourage your child to take a bite of everything on the plate. The more often they try it, the more likely they will be to eat it willingly.  Have them eat something that is found on their name on their “Personalized Name” plate.  If you use the Personalized Firetruck Plate eat something that is located on the fire hose.

Here are a couple of ideas from some of my friends.  I explain to my kids where food comes from and how it is made. We visit the local farmers market, where they have samples of fruits and veggies to try. Each time my kids try a new one, I give them a prize.

One friend said that her son has an issue eating meat, so we play a game called “hide the meat.” She gets a forkful of meat, dip it in applesauce, and pretend the meat has suddenly disappeared. He thinks its funny, which makes him more inclined to eat, and I can rest easy knowing he’s getting the protein he needs. This trick has helped my friend’s 20-month-old try and enjoy new textures. She stands next to her and encourage her by clapping my hands and saying “Yay!” or making animal sounds. When I do that, she seems to want to try new foods, and she claps for herself after each bite.  We also use a fun baby bibs to signal that it is time to eat. Listen to your child. After all, they are the ones eating the food, and each child has different tastes. Try not to force foods on them. Instead, make healthy foods with a yummy twist, like honey or applesauce, to entice healthier appetites.

Lastly, Start early, Include the child, Set goals, Be consistent, firm, and don’t give up.  Good Luck