Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters. Not a parent exists that
hasn't worried about their toddlers eating habits at one time or
another.
Some worry their toddlers aren't eating enough, others worry
that their toddlers are eating too much, and still others worry
that their toddlers aren't eating a wide enough variety of
different foods.
The good news is that if you do things right, you can set your
toddler on a path to good eating indefinitely. How do you do it?
First and foremost, know that when it comes to eating most
toddlers are just learning about food, and just starting to
develop habits.
You don't want to force food on your toddler at any time, or
suggest that they clean their plate or take just one last bite
of anything.
Why? This may set them up for a lifetime of food struggles.
Rather, the best way to support good eating habits is to have
available at all times a variety of healthy foods in your home.
Generally as long as toddlers eat one or two items from each
food group within a 2-3 day time frame, they are doing well.
Here are some other things you can do to encourage healthy
eating habits:
Eat as a Family - This may not be possible every day of the
week, but at least 1-2 days per week you should encourage your
family to gather together around the table for a good, wholesome
meal. Include lots of different foods that are healthy and
nutritious. Toddlers learn by example, and watching other family
members eat and interact in an inviting environment will
encourage your toddler to do the same as time goes on.
Don't Require Your Toddler to Clean His Plate - This is a common
well intentioned mistake some parents make. Toddlers eating
habits are peculiar, but they do know when they are hungry.
Forcing them to finish food they can't or won't eat will only
result in power struggles and potentially problems with food
later in life.
Keep the Refrigerator Stocked with Healthy Snacks - If you don't
have dozens of cookies laying about the house your toddler will
be less likely to eat them. That said allow your toddler some
sweet treats when they are visiting relatives or a friend's
house. Just remember to keep sweets to a minimum at your house.
Cook a Variety of Foods - If you normally cook fish twice a
week, your child will become accustomed to it as part of their
routine. It will be much easier to convince your toddler to try
new things if they are an ordinary part of your diet, then if
out of the blue you decide to try new foods that are unusual or
generally unappealing.
As your toddler grows and develops they will eventually develop
more routine eating habits. In the meantime simply providing
healthy alternatives and variety in their diet is a great way to
jump start a healthy diet.
About the author:
Adwina Jackson is a wife and mother of a young boy. She's also
the editor of Inspiring Parenting, an online source of valuable
parenting information. Please visit
Inspiring Parenting
for helpful and free parenting info.
