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Common Concerns Feeding Toddlers and their Remedies

a ) Problem: One-Food Wonder Child may happily eat some foods and throw others on the floor. Is it developmentally appropriate ? How long will it last ? Confused: Give them what they want or be assertive?

Remedy : Don't Fight It Keep offering a variety of healthy foods, even if child rejects it at first. Many children take their sweet time before deciding if they like the new food at all, so keep trying.

Offer fruits, vegetables, and even "grown-up" food, without pressure. You will be surprised when you find out what they like to eat.

b) Problem: Won't Eat His Veggies

Does your child says 'NO' to green veggies ? It's normal for your child to react that way as many vegetables have a strong smell and taste, especially when cooked.

Allow your child to see it and smell it before you cook it even if he doesn't like it try it again another day.

Solution: Give them Choices

Bring children into the kitchen and let them pick their veggies. If green isn't their favorite , offer the red and orange ones or offer them raw veggies with a dip like

ranch dressing or hummus.

c) Problem: Drinks Her Calories

If your child drinks so much milk or juice that she isn't hungry during mealtimes then most likely she's not eating healthy.

Solution: Limit Liquid Calories

For children ages 1 to 6, keep juice 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup. Water down juice gradually until your child is drinking plain water. Your child should have about 2-2½ cups of milk a day.

Remember that kids over 2 should be drinking 1% or skim milk.

WHY IS MY CHILD SO PICKY?

Many preschoolers are picky eaters specially when it comes to eating healthy food. Choosing when and what they'll eat is how they learn to be independent.Remember we as adults

have our own food choices ,so why not have patience when serving healthy foods to children.

Don't Worry, Make Your Picky Eater A 'Picky Helper'

Do: Let Kids Help in the Kitchen

Children who help prepare a meal are much more likely to eat it. Let your child help - roll out dough, wash lettuce ,sprinkle cheese, or other easy meal prep. If they don't .

Try again tomorrow.Having them help prepare meal will make them familiar of foods they like and the different ways of cooking they prefer.

Do: Set a Good Example

Are you modeling the kind of eating habits you want them to have?  Eat healthy to have them eat healthy.Simple as that.

Will She Ever Outgrow It?

Most preschoolers are picky eaters, it's just a developmental norm for that age. Don't make a big deal about picky behavior.

Reading books, watching videos, food games on healthy nutrition can help boost your child to make the right decisions.

Older siblings can be good role models for preschoolers to imitate and eat healthy.

LEARN SOME OF THE DEVELOPMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS AND NORMS OF PRESCHOOLER' S RELATED TO EATING

SOCIAL/PERSONAL PHYSICAL

Preschoolers ( 3-5 ) show improved appetite and interest in food Holds handle on cup

Favorite foods are requested, likes shapes,colors ,ABC s Pours from small pitcher

Ability to choose between two alternate foods Uses fork

Is influenced by TV commercials and likes to copy food preparer Chews most food

(Pimento & Kernested, 2010,p.246)

Resources for parents to help understand nutrition and feeding tips for your picky preschool eater :
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/ss/slideshow-picky-eaters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipVaa-w_JD8

For more information on developmental characteristics and norms for your preschoolers please visit :

http://www.peelregion.ca/health/family-health/toddlers-and-preschoolers/nutrition/feeding3-6.htm

For more information on nutrition for your little preschoolers visit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSRbj_L1Cro

http://www.peelregion.ca/health/family-health/toddlers-and-preschoolers/nutrition/pdfs/cooking-up-fun.pdf

Fun nutrition books and website for parents and children

http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Content.aspx?id=752

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/preschoolers.html

http://www.peelregion.ca/health/family-health/toddlers-and-preschoolers/nutrition/pdfs/cooking-up-fun.pdf

Here's one fun recipe that you can enjoy making with your preschooler:

Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese Serves: 4- 6 Ingredients

500 ml (2 cups) uncooked macaroni 284 ml (10 oz) canned cream of mushroom soups 250 ml (1 cup) milk 125 ml (1/2 cup) onion,finely chopped 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) cheddar or mozzarella cheese,grated Instructions 1.Help your child preheat oven to 175 C (350 F) 2. Cook macaroni in boiling water;drain and set aside

3. Have your child mix cream of mushroom soup , milk, and onion in a big bowl with a whisk.

4.Heat the mixture (yourself to avoid your child from burning themselves) and bring to a boil.

5.Have your child enjoy adding macaroni and 175 ml (3/4) cup cheese to the prepared mixture.

6.Assist your child in pouring the prepared mixture into an ovenproof dish and mix the remaining cheese

7. Bake at 175 C (350 F) for 20 minutes .Let your child turn oven to "broil" for 2 to 3 minutes, until cheese is browned.

Take out the dish from the oven and allow it to cool. Enjoy!

References

Children's books about nutrition . (2013 ). Retrieved from http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Content.aspx?id=752

Health and Nutrition information for preschoolers .(n.d).Retrieved from http://www.choosemyplate.gov/preschoolers.html

Preschool growth and development .(2014).Retrieved from http://www.healthychildren.org/english/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/default.aspx

Pimento,Barbara. & Kernested,Deborah.(2010).Nutrition.The United States of America:Nelson Education Ltd. Zelman, M.K. (2011).Slideshow: Quick Tips for Feeding a Picky Eater.Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/parenting/ss/slideshow-picky-eaters