Dealing with picky eaters is one of the most common struggles parents and teachers at your childcare center have. Does this sound familiar to you? Here are a few tips on how to deal with picky eaters.
Is your child a picky eater?
- Your toddler takes a few bites of food and says she’s “done”
- You can stock your fridge and shelves full but your little one will only eat the same 5 things over and over.
- Your toddler asks for one thing, you make it, then he asks for something else then decides he wants something completely different altogether.
- Coaxing your children to just take “one more bite” is a constant battle in your home.
Why Won’t They Eat?
First of all – meal times are supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable. You want to avoid these battles every time you sit down at the table. Toddlers ages 1-3 typically have smaller appetites, so if they only eat a little at a time, that’s ok. Their appetites can change on a daily basis and even meal to meal.
If they like carrots, don’t be afraid to throw some in at breakfast. Do they prefer eggs? Who says you can’t have eggs for dinner? At Premier Academy it is our goal to provide quality childcare and lots of healthy and delicious food options.
Dinner time is typically going to be the meal that your toddler feels like eating the least. It’s the end of the day and they are tired. Unless they have been doing physical activity like swimming or playing outside, chances are they aren’t going to be as hungry as they are at other times of the day.
How Do I Get My Picky Kid To Eat?
If you are dealing with preschool or school age children who are picky eaters, you may be able to reason with them and enforce the “one bite rule” Ask them to take at least one bite of every food on their plate. If they don’t like it, they don’t have to eat it again. The best childcare for your kiddo is one that provides a variety of healthy food options.
Here are a few more ideas for dealing with picky eaters:
- Don’t nag or coax your toddler. Choose your battles. Plain and simply, your child WILL eat when they are hungry.
- Have realistic portions: Many parents set unrealistic goals for their children when it comes to mealtime. A good rule of thumb to follow: If your child is under the age of 5-6, use a tablespoon per year of age. If they ask for more when they’ve finished, you can always give more.
- Try to introduce new foods – Even if they disliked a food before, tastes change and you never know when you find something new they like.
- Avoid too much milk, juice and soda in place of food. Many kids will fill up on sugary drinks and have no room for food.
Mealtime doesn’t have to be miserable any longer! Choose your battles. Don’t get upset with them when they doesn’t like a food. Try to help your child find healthy foods they enjoy.
At Premier Academy, the safety of your children comes first. We offer affordable childcare in the Omaha & Elkhorn area, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.
