Parenting Advice on Training Fussy Eaters to be Healthy Eaters

Children of all ages but toddlers in particular can be fussy eaters that refuse to try a new food at least half of the time. A lot of toddlers are fussy with their food so it is no wonder that food issues are a source of stress for parents. 

Establishing healthy eating patterns is important to avoid problems such as obesity and eating disorders later on in life. There are various parenting strategies to help your child accept a wider range of foods and unfortunately it may be necessary to offer a food to your child as many as 10 different times before they finally choose to eat it.  The problem is, many parents get frustrated and give up before the fourth or fifth try.  It is well worth persevering instead of giving up and letting them live off of fish fingers; a balanced diet and healthy food not only gives your children energy, it improves their concentration, learning and behaviour as well as reducing risk of infection and disease.

Try to make foods fun.  Colourful foods like carrot sticks, raisins, apples, grapes, cheese sticks and crackers can all be fun and healthy choices for your

growing toddler.  Explain to them that eating good food is important so they will grow big and strong, and how it will help them run faster and play longer.

Children learn behaviours from their parents and part of good parenting is to lead by example. If you restrict yourself to a narrow range of foods, your child will take notice and mimic what you do. Do not limit your child's food variety to only those foods you prefer. It may be that your child's tastes are different to yours, and perhaps you are simply serving them foods they do not happen to like.  Try to set a good example and try a variety of foods in front of your child.  It could motivate them to do the same.

If your child seems healthy and energetic, then they are eating enough. If you are concerned about their health, keep an eye on how much food they actually eat over the day. Children tend to graze constantly, rather than restrict their eating to three meals per day like adults. You may be surprised how those little handfuls and snacks add up. For further reassurance, check your child's growth and weight charts, or ask your child's pediatrician for some advise on healthy weights in children.

Try not to worry, and remember, that unless a child is ill, they will eat.   Children are very good at judging their hunger and fullness signals. Try to stay relaxed about mealtimes and offer your child a wide variety of foods.  Most importantly, remember to set a good example by trying a wide variety of foods yourself.  You may discover you and your toddler share a new found favourite food!