| Picky, picky ... Not! Healthy Eating for Tots |
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Sharon Moen of Murfreesboro loves to eat, but she can’t stand dinner time. That’s because her little one, Brian, gives her such a struggle when it comes to eating.
Moen does her best to prepare delicious food for her little boy, but most nights, the dinner situation goes from positive to disastrous in just a matter of minutes, with Brian tossing his peas to the floor and his mom begging him to eat. Out comes the macaroni.
If your child eats nothing but a spoonful of cereal and a forkful of mac and cheese for an entire day, how can you NOT worry?
Well, there’s good news. Pediatricians say there’s actually little cause for concern because it’s typical of toddlers to go through a finicky-eating phase for developmental and physical reasons, according to Sal Severe, Ph.D., author of How to Behave So Your Preschooler Will Too! (Viking; $10). Not surprisingly, 95 percent of picky eaters are between the ages of 2 and 4. Here are some of the reasons children often become picky eaters at this stage:
Toddlers love routine but are doubtful of new experiences with food.
New tastes, textures and smells can overwhelm a tot, so he’s less likely to try an unfamiliar food.
Toddlers use food to gain independence.
With mobility comes independence, and suddenly a toddler wants everything his way. He has his own opinions about what he wants to do, when and where, and it causes a common struggle between children and their parents. The dinner table makes fertile ground for your toddler’s assertion, says Severe.
Toddlers like to see what Mom and Dad will do.
There’s nothing more satisfying to a toddler than watching his parents’ reaction when he asserts his will.
Lots of toddlers don’t eat a lot.
While your little guy grew fast as a baby, at 1 - 3 years old he’s slowed down his growth considerably. Now his appetite will vary according to his particular growth periods — there will be days when he’s hungrier than others. And remember … he has a tiny tummy! He doesn’t need all that much to be satisfied.
Marnie Clemmons is a freelance writer.
