How to Handle Your Little Picky Eater

How to tell?

• Has he been extremely selective with food ?
  
• Is he not eating enough or not eating at all?
• Is he experiencing food jags where he has been very selective on food.
• Does him snack all day long instead of having proper meal?
• Do you find him drinking more fluids than eating solid food?
• Does he often end mealtimes by throwing temper tantrums?

It is very dishertening to slave over a meal and only to have your child refuse to eat it.
What should you do?
1. Realise that you are not responsible.
You are not responsible for whether your child eats or how much he eats. However, it is your duty to ensure the foods are safe and appropriate for your child. Establish regular mealtimes and snack times.

2. Set a good example
Yes, it is extremely important to send the right message to your child.

3. Tiny Tummies
Remember, you child has a small stomach. So, be realistic. Keep portion of main meals small and manageable.

4. Focus on what he eats, not how much he eats.
Go for quality, not quantity. Give your child nutritious foods. Small plate of nutritious foods is much more beneficial than a large plate of empty calories.

5. Be sneaky
Learn to substitute certain food your child does not like. For instance, chop up some vegetables finely and sneak them into a delicious plate of fried rice.

6. Limit the fluids
Try not to give your child too much fluids before meal.

7. Bye-bye, bribes.
"If you finish your food, I will let you eat that chocolate ice-cream"
Did you ever use this trick? But, this rarely works in the long run.

8. It is your child's own show.
Let your child feed himself is a good idea. Give your child a chance to enjoy the sense of independence.

9. Keep your child's growth in check
Regularly plot your child's weight and height. Seek medical attention if needed.