Recipes - Nutrition For Toddlers

Why Picky Eating Can Be Good for Kids

How it's healthy for kids to be selective and adventurous with food

By Kristen J. Gough, Parenting
 
See Also
4 pint-size takes on a classic kid favorite - Parenting.com
Incorporate fruit and veggies into your kids' diets in ways they will love - Parenting.com
Strategies for raising an adventurous eater (that will eat at least some of his veggies) - Parenting.com
4 tricks to get them to take a bite out of brain-boosting fish dishes - Parenting.com
- Parenting.com
Do like Siskel and Ebert. Encourage your child to try a new food by asking her if it's "thumbs up," says Sarah Lawhun, a dietitian with the Healthy Kids, Healthy Weight program, in Cleveland. She gives a thumbs-up if she likes it, thumbs-down if she doesn't. She'll feel in control -- and be more likely to try something new.

Chart it. It can take at least ten tries for a kid to like a new food. Make a list of each one, and let her draw faces to match what she thought on each try. Note the progress.

Have her help. If she helps make the healthy snack, she's more likely to eat it. Fruit kebabs are easy and fun!

Explain why it matters. You can't watch her every moment to make sure she eats right. Tell her that sugary snacks taste good but don't keep her body strong.



PRINT
Quick Poll

Risqué Halloween costumes are becoming more and more popular for preteens. Does this concern you?

Yes. Those costumes are way too grown up for kids.
It's no big deal. Halloween is all about dressing up.


ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

A Special Joy 2009: Kids With Down Syndrome Round 1

See photos of your snap-happy kids, who happen to have Down Syndrome, in honor of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October

promotion
 

Blog: Project Pregnancy

Erin Zammett Ruddy: "I only have two months left in the pregnancy and even if -- if -- the cancer seems to be creeping back, it will be so slow moving that we wouldn't treat it until after the baby comes." Updated frequently.

Blog: Family Budget Boot Camp

Leah: "The lawyer's assistant proceeds to tell me that they want a closing by Monday or Tuesday, and that she needs my answer within 48 hours. But one of those conditions involves me coming up with loot I don't have -- $3,000 to be exact!" Updated Frequently!

Toys of the Year

We're giving away over $900 worth of toys! Enter BOTH giveaways once a day until December 14
Facebook

Become a Fan on Facebook

More than 8,600 people are fans of Parenting.com on Facebook -- find out what they're saying