Expert Information for Parents On-Line
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FEEDING PROBLEMS-PRACTICAL BEHAVIOURAL TIPS

INFOPARENTS.COM:

  • Try to present healthy foods in a positive light, so that they aren't associated with dullness or deprivation. Also, avoid placing foods into categories of "good" and "bad".

  • Offer your child lots of opportunities to make her own food choices from a variety of balanced foods that you offer.

  • Give small portions, so as not to overwhelm your child with too much food. It's better to allow your child to take seconds if she's still hungry.

  • If your child will only eat food served a certain way, try to accommodate her requests. She may prefer her food to be a certain temperature or to have a certain texture. This is quite normal, and her tastes are likely to change with time.

  • Try preparing and presenting rejected foods separately from other dishes. For example, if your child doesn't like carrots, don't put them on her plate or in the main dish. Instead, place them in a separate bowl on the table, and allow your child the choice of whether or not to have them.

  • Try serving foods your child doesn't like in new, original ways. For example, if your child insists that she hates spaghetti, try serving bow-tie pasta instead. Also, cutting vegetables in fun shapes may turn previously rejected vegetables into food that's fun to eat.

  • Children 5 and older can be involved in food preparation or shopping, which may increase their interest in eating

  • Make the mealtime table a relaxed and positive environment, free of family conflict and tensions. Meals should be a time when the family can socialize together in a friendly atmosphere. Minimize distractions by turning the TV off, and removing toys from the dining area.

  • If your young child finishes eating before everyone else, let him leave the table if he wants to. A young child that's forced to sit still at the table until everyone else is finished may begin to resent mealtimes and resist eating.

    This answer is provided by Infoparents.com, Expert Information for Parents On-Line, for more parenting resources and information please visit www.infoparents.com


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    The information provided above is designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace the advice and care of your health and/or allied health professional, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
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