Most parents dread mealtime because it’s an activity that most often than not leads to food refusal, thrown food, fussy eating habits, crying and throwing tantrums by your toddler. It is a common issue so try not to lose your patience and it is imperative that you stay calm.
We need to understand that most toddlers suffer from something called Neophobia (fear of unfamiliar food). Plus they like to test everything around them… including your patience. So do not lose it!
You can try out the following pointers to see if this brings about a change in your toddler. However, do not expect a sea of change instantly, it is a gradual process and will take some time.
- Be a positive role model for your child. Children are highly impressionable. If you’d like your child to eat broccoli, then you should, too.
- If your child is refusing to eat a meal on a regular basis then keep snacking to a minimum so she’s hungry at mealtimes and will be more willing to eat.
- Give small portions to eat; this might entice him to eat.
- If your child is a very poor eater, giving her a vitamin supplement may be useful; but only after consulting with his/her pediatrician.
- Don’t cater to her every whim. Avoid making only your child’s favorites. You will only promote fussy eating if you keep offering on food choices that the child prefers.
- Eat as a family whenever possible. It would be easy for the toddler to accept new food by watching and imitating their parents and other children eating them.
- Understand mealtime will be messy, so avoid chiding him if he touches or spills food or refuses to eat. Allow your toddler to handle and touch his food, play with it and make a mess. Once your child realizes that mealtime is fun, he will start eating too.
- team_itemmom
- January 30, 2016
- 0 Comment
