- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- recipes today articles
- recipes today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Picky Eaters
Tips on Pleasing Picky Palates
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
Be creative with meals as well as with presentation. "My son was a picky eater from his first bite of cereal," says Pam Kock, a freelance writer from southwestern Ohio. "He refuses to try anything new, even if it is one of his favorite foods in a different form. I am looking for ways to present food so that I can trick him into eating more variety or encourage him to try new things. So far, he's been too smart to fall for it – or maybe I haven't been creative enough."
Let the creativity flow when preparing meals for picky eaters. For example, it may not be proper etiquette to allow small children to eat with their hands, but finger foods can be fun and adventurous. Serve hot-dogs, French fries, chopped vegetables or fruit in small "bite-size" pieces. In addition, provide various sauces and dips that allow children to "dunk" their food to add to the excitement of mealtime.
Make the situation less stressful for yourself and your toddler – take off the pressure, provide nutritional snacks and allow the child to decide. However, if your child has become a picky eater and you note a substantial weight loss – 15 percent or more – seek medical advice.
