Don't Pick on the Picky
Nervous your nibbler isn't eating enough?
According to a recent study, even picky eaters manage to get the calories and nutrients needed to grow and develop. So instead of battling over every Brussels sprout and bean, focus on making meal times more enjoyable. Always offer a range of nutritious foods, and use patience rather than pressure at the table. Odds are that, over time, your child will slowly add more and more healthy foods to her diet.
Always ask your kids to try whatever new food is on your family's menu. If at first they turn up their noses at the new addition, don't get mad, get creative. Sometimes the presentation can make all the difference -- call broccoli stalks fluffy trees, make smiley faces out of apple slices and raisins, pair small amounts of new foods with some old favorites, and involve kids in the planning and preparation of meals and snacks. Show them what good eating is, rather than tell them, and your whole family will be healthier for it. Also, keep in mind that children go through stages. At times, they will honestly not be hungry, and it's OK for them to eat lightly. This usually happens in a dormant phase of their growth cycle. However, if you're still worried about your picky eater, share your concerns with your pediatrician.
