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Are meal times a battle? |
Is meal time with your toddler like World War 3? Children soon learn that food refusal is a great way to get attention and manipulate anxious (but well meaning) parents.
Most toddlers actually need less food than parents think. No healthy child has ever starved to death through stubborn food refusal! Children will usually eat when they are hungry and generally eat a balanced diet over time.
A good rule of thumb is that toddlers are probably getting enough food if they are growing, are well and have lots of energy. Above all, keep your cool and try these tips:
1 Avoid force-feeding. Simply provide a range of nutritious foods and remove uneaten food after a set time, say 20 minutes, without making any comment.
2 Do not use food as a bribe or reward. Although bribes sometimes work at the time, they usually cause more trouble in the long run.
3 Try to ignore food fads and irritating mealtime behaviours (within reason!). Problems will often go away when they are disregarded.
4 Many children are fussy eaters. Offer alternative foods wherever possible. If your child refuses vegetables, offer fruit. If milk is rejected, give yoghurt or cheese.
5 Kids are often suspicious of new foods. Keep offering them over time until they become familiar.
6 Children often eat better if they serve themselves or help prepare the meal.
7 Give the child more choice. Provide appropriate foods and allow the child to choose how much and what he or she eats. Disclaimer:
Please note this information was correct at time of printing.
For up to date information, speak to your doctor. Source: Autumn 1999 Edition | Page 1
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