Toddlers and small children are often picky eaters and their frequent resistance to trying new things can concern parents. Many of us worry that our children aren’t eating enough or absorbing the right combination of nutrients despite our best efforts to provide healthy options.
If you’d like to encourage your child to eat larger quantities of healthy food items, try one or more of these tips.
#1- Give Your Child Choices
It’s easier to get your child to eat healthy food items when they’re taking part in the decision. However, keep the choice between a couple of items rather than asking an open question. Ask “this or that” questions instead of “what do you want” questions.
For example, you might present them with two vegetables they could choose between for dinner, like green beans or broccoli. You might also let them pick out vegetable items at the grocery store.
#2- Keep Snacks Small
If you provide your child with snacks between the time they arrive home from school and dinner, keep them small. This way, your child will have a decent appetite when the time comes to eat a full meal. For example, a few crackers and olives will serve as a good snack without being too filling.
#3- Measure Portions Appropriately
Keep your expectations reasonable when it comes to serving sizes. A good way to measure appropriate portions is to give your child a tablespoon of each food item for every year of their age. If your child is five, then approximately five tablespoons of entrées and sides is a reasonable amount to have your child eat.
Try to encourage (but don’t force) them to finish each portion of food on their plate before they get a second helping of the items they prefer.
#4- Eat Together
When you have breakfasts, lunches, and/or dinners as a family, you can monitor what your child eats and how much they’re able to finish. Additionally, family dinners will allow you to model healthy eating habits by ensuring that your child sees you eat the same healthy food they’re trying.
Be patient when it comes to introducing new foods. Children tend to be resistant to change, but the more often you make healthy food available, the more likely your child will be to warm up to healthy eating.
