Here are a few ideas for picky eaters

Discussion in 'The Toddler Years(1-3)' started by koozie, Jan 11, 2008.

  1. koozie

    koozie Well-Known Member

    I am SOOOOOOOOOO lucky that my kids will eat a great variety of foods. But once in a while my DD becomes annoyingly picky. These ideas work just about everytime:

    1. put the new food on her plate (or the refused food) and walk away (I tell them I am going to the bathroom). Or talk on the phone. When I don't make a big deal about the food and basically don't watch or pay attention, she'll eat it. It's as if she is not "on stage."

    2. use toothpicks if your kids can understand not to eat the toothpicks (this may be better for older ones). It's somethign new and different so kids often like the excitement of it

    3. (as often said before) have them watch you eat it, or cook it. My kids will eat ANYTHING I am eating - including lettuce.

    4. have someone else feed them. If I want my kids to eat something they sometimes do and sometimes don't (sweet potatoes, cottage cheese, yogurt, turkey burgers, peas, etc.) I have my DH or a sitter feed it to them. This is when I am in a crunch with not a lot of food ideas and need something quick and easy and health. It works EVERY TIME

    5. Gice the new food, walk away, etc. and if she doesn't eat it, I either eat it myself or give it to her brother. Then I give the 2nd food she likes, and as she is eating it, give her more of the 1st refused food. She often eats it.

    I hope these help! Much luck Moms. Who knew feeding would be so complicated???? :)
    Kathleen
     
  2. Cindy123

    Cindy123 Well-Known Member

    Kathleen, thanks for the ideas! I thought sleeping issues were going to be the real battles around here, but not so once we starting introducing food!
     
  3. gatormommy

    gatormommy Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the ideas! I think I may try some of them :D
     
  4. TwinLove

    TwinLove Well-Known Member

    Thank you Kathleen! :good: I am going to try some of your suggestions!!
     
  5. AmynTony

    AmynTony Well-Known Member

    we've also gone anti snack in my house - they are good and hungry for meals and eat MUCH better! I actually got my son to eat not one but 2 hot dogs tonight!
     
  6. LindyFrog

    LindyFrog Well-Known Member

    I totally second the idea of not making a huge idea about a new food. I just cook, serve, and we eat. This always worked with my first child, and the twins are following right along. I have really had to work with my mom though, because she always makes a big deal-" Have you had this yet? Do you like this yet? Do you think you can try one bit?etc etc". I tell her, just put it on their plates, and sit down an eat. I really believe that the bigger the deal you make about a food, the bigger the deal you will have getting the child to eat it.
     
  7. PurpleNurple

    PurpleNurple Well-Known Member

    At that age, my kids were FASCINATED by dipping things - and even to this day, they love to dip food. They will eat things they normally wouldn't when we give them some ranch dressing or ketchup for dipping - they even liked my husband's dill horseradish dip from Le Gourmet....crazy!
     
  8. twoin2005

    twoin2005 Well-Known Member

    Great advice. Ditto the pp's advice on providing enticing dips. My kids will eat almost any vegetable if I give them a little teriyaki sauce on the side!

    And my kids LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their "fancy toothpicks." You know those ones with curly celophane on the tips? We have a pack of those and I will put those out with cut up fruit or cheese (two things that they are not ultra-fond of at the moment).
     
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