Nutrition Facts

The Picky Eater

"Tips for the Frustrated Parents"

How do you handle a picky-eater? Is it by scolding, nagging or making him stay at the table until he finishes his/her meals? This kind of method, while it may be effective for a while, won't help a child become a healthy and happy eater.

Consider instead the following suggestions designed to make meal times more fun and helpful for you and yourchild.

Try involving your child in food preparations. Next time you go to the grocery, take your child along. Spark his curiosity! Involve him/her, for instance, when shopping for the ingredients. Allow him/her to help you in the food preparation. This way, your child will develop an interest in how food is cooked - and enjoyed.

Make him/her rest before eating. Your child can easily lose his/her appetite when he is tired. After an exhausting day at school or playing outside. Allow your child to lie down or sit for a while before going to the dinning table.

Discourage eating snacks before meal time. Snacking before meals is the major cause of bad eating habits later in life. Establish the right discipline now.

Keep toys away while your child is eating. Any distractions on the table can veer his attention away from his meal, making it even harder for you to feed your picky-eater.

Prepare creative dishes. Be inventive! Make recipes that are both fun and healthy! Add fruits like apples or pears in hotcakes, bananas and raisins on jello - and make meal times delightful, apetizing and full of surprises.

Don't allow your child to get hungry. If your child snubs the food on the table, try offering a piece of bread or fruit in the meantime. This will help him avoid snacking on sweets and junk foods.

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