Tips for difficult eaters
Don’t push
It may not be easy, but try to not push your child, because this will backfire. Your toddler has a mind of his own and will resist when you demand that he eats everything on his plate. Instead of pushing, try to reward good behavior. Praise your toddler when he tastes something new, takes a big bite or is curious about food. Try to keep the atmosphere positive and relaxed at the table, even if your child is eating little or nothing at all.
Do not give in to their whining for unhealthy food
Of course you want your toddler to get enough food, but remember that quality is more important than quantity. Don’t give in when your toddler asks for candy or a bag of chips, because he or she will learn that they can get out of eating the healthy meal. A growing child needs enough nutrients to support its growth, so make sure you offer healthy meals. Also careful in offering your little one to much sugar, aromas, dies and flavors, which can negatively affect your child’s behavior
Set rules at the table
Every child needs rules and boundaries. Therefore set up rules that apply at the dining table. Do not make a whole list, but focus on 3 to 5 important points, such as having to try at least one bite of everything, no one leaves the table before everyone is ready and there is no yelling allowed at the table. Pick the rules that are important to you and place a small notice board with these rules on the table during dinner to remind everyone.
Reward in a positive way
Almost every child is happy to receive a compliment. Does your toddler respond well to compliments? Than try using a reward schedule! Take a nice piece of paper and reward your child with a sticker for every new type of food he tastes or for every bite of vegetables. Play with this a little bit to find the challenge that your child needs and adapt it regularly.
Additional tips:
- Give your toddler three healthy meals a day and up to 2 healthy snacks.
- Involve your toddler with the meals and take him with you shopping for groceries.
- Allow your toddler to 'help' out in the kitchen. Stirring the sauce can yield much pride when the meal is ready and will make it extra tasty for everyone.
- Keep offering food to your toddler that he or she doesn’t like. Tastes can change rapidly with young children.
- Don’t serve the plate to full. This might scare your toddler off.
