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Picky Eater? 10 Tips for getting them to say YUM!Posted Jul-25-08 06:56:56 PDT Have a picky eater? I sure do. My 2 year old is constantly saying "I'm hungry!" and yet whatever I make she doesn't want! lol. I've learned to not take it personal and I've developed these 10 easy ways to get her interested. I hope they work with your little picky eater too! I'm no doctor, I'm not claiming that these strategies will work. I'm just a mom who wants to share what worked for me on a topic that seems all too common. 10) They can sense if you are unsure. I started to realize that whenever I would try to have her eat healthy, she seemed to sense that what I was placing in front of her, I was unsure she'd eat myself. I now will quickly place in front of her what I want her to eat and then walk turn my back. She may fuss at it for a moment but will usually eat at least half before the other half ends up on the floor. 9) Remember, Toddlers like finger foods! Most toddlers can't hold a lot of food at a time. So naturally, they will want to eat small amounts of finger foods through out the day rather than a larger meal at a time. I will chop up turkey, graham crackers, apples, bananas, oranges and other healthy foods she can chew easily and put them in a bowl she can carry around. You will end up with some pieces on the floor you'll need to pick up, but at least they are eating. 8) Don't keep trying new foods. Once you actually find something your toddler likes. Don't get frustrated if they won't try new foods. I can't tell you how many bananas I'll go through one week and then she'll want nothing but toast. They seem to get set into a certain food for awhile and will want only that food. Be patient, be healthy. That's all you can do! 7) Remember the Basics. Or as it's called the "BRAT" diet. Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. One of those is bound to work! lol :) 6) Don't force your toddler to sit down! Toddlers are always on the go, the last thing they want is to be tied down. It may frustrate you a little as a parent to not have your child sitting, but I guarantee they will eat more on the run rather than sitting. 5) Avoid introducing food at active times. My little one will not eat if we are at Grandma & Pappy's. She's simply too excited. If you are planning on going out, try to feed your child before you leave and pack some finger foods for the ride and while visiting. Fruity Cheerios work wonders for me! 4) Can they help you? Maybe some toddlers would enjoy "helping" you with their snack or meal. I will sometimes put Abby in her high chair next to me in the kitchen, give her some crayons and talk to her about what I am preparing. They can also help you create Jello snacks or things like that. Involve them, they'll love it. Note: Acting as goofy as possible helps then WANT what you are cooking when it's ready. ;) 3) Introduce them to Play Foods. I'm not just saying this because I sell them. I'm very serious here. My 2 year old has been playing with her healthy play foods for a few months now. She is familiar with them, she knows their names, what colors they are. They are familiar and toddlers love familiar and repetitive things. You can have your toddler "cook" up some play vegetable stew and then try to give your toddler some for lunch or dinner. My baby girl always asks for "soup" now. It's become one of her favorite things to eat and it's healthy! 2) Sometimes, they just aren't hungry. As toddlers have their growth spurts, it seems like sometimes they will eat you out of house and home. Then the next day they'll barely eat! Their bodies just aren't set like ours to want breakfast, lunch and dinner. Just go with the flow, don't worry. They'll let you know when they are hungry. 1) Don't take it personal. Have FUN! Your toddler isn't out to frustrate you, even though it may seem that way sometimes! Their eating time should always be playful and fun. I feel that good food goes hand and hand with good times. It's important that they feel meal time is a joyous and always good occasion. Maybe having that set in their minds early will help avoid later food addictions or problems later in life. So put your apron on Mom and bring your toddler to the table! :)
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