Tips for Picky Eaters

Does your child act like you're trying to poison him everytime you offer broccoli?? Here are my favorite strategies to get your child interested in healthy foods.
First of all it is almost impossible to compete with the fast food industry when it comes to advertising. Aha! Parents posess something that they don't -- power to keep the T.V. to a minimum. I know, It's virtually impossible to filter out all the sources that push the "bad-for-you-food-that-tastes-oh-so-good": the grocery store's favorite place to put the candy is where? You guessed it-- right at the eye level of the kid in the cart at the check out lane.

Parents are the first and most important teachers in their childs life (oh, and you thought it was me--your friendly child care provider). Nope. Parents are role models; everything you do and say is being teletaped by your tot. Relax. You're a great person, with great habits. So what if your child still doesn't want to touch his goat cheese and spinach quiche? Weeelll, here are those tips I promised you;

1. As we grow older, our taste buds--well how do you put it--don't work as well as they did when we were younger. Ever see gram overload her soup with salt?? Aha... and it works in reverse for junior: plain, non-seasoned foods are probably just fine for your child. However, my daughter, she's an odd one; since she was 2 she's been able to eat purple onions like apples. Lucky for her, but not for me! Your child will give you cues, usually facial expressions indicating their like or dislike of the food offered.

2. We eat with all of our senses. Such is so true for junior; he even learns through all of his senses. If you offer a variety of colors and textures in small amounts your child is more likely to sample, and who knows, even like it!! And by the way, not alot of young people like their foods to touch. Separate please.

3. And this is a fun one because it also teaches your child some self competence skills; offer a mini buffet. when I say mini, I mean teeny. You're child's stomach is the size of her fist. Don't expect her to eat a whole lot of what is offered -- the fact that your child is even tasting it is reason for you to lavish them with all kinds of encouragement.

4, Don't forget to eat what the child is being offered. If you are eating cheetos and a coke, and they are being offered chicken stir fry you're not going to get the deal sealed! Now c'mon thats not really fair, is it??

5, Okay. Francine/Talulah/Mica/Shawndella/Esperanza/Miko will not touch a bite. You've been a good sport; what gives?? This is a great piece to understand: Your child grows in spurts unique to her (his) developmental needs. Therefore, there are going to be times when they just are not very hungry for lunch--even though they skipped breakfast! And in those times they may cling to some old standards. Did I hear anyone in the background say, Waffle?? Uh, oh. It's okay. In the worst case senarios, consult your pediatrician. They may recmmend a supplemental drink such as Ensure. You may need one yourself after all of the time invested in trying to get them to eat. Just kidding. Oh, and they'll probably give you the thumbs up for offering different healthy foods. Keep it up!!

6. Some times an oversion to a particular type of food can mean your child is allergic to it. I'm talking to you, milk, peanuts, legumes, wheat, eggs, soy... you know who you are. Do some research on what, if any, food alergies run in your family.

After a while children will eat some of what is on their plate. Be patient. One psychological trick that worked with my boys was "It's okay if you don't like it now, when you're bigger, you'll be ready to try different foods." One day my youngest said, "Look, Mom, I'm getting older; I ate some of my salad." So, I guess I only kinda tricked him?

I'm good but not that good. If I forgot any tips or you'd like to add some of your favorite strategies, please comment. I'll get 'em posted.