Parenting Ideas for Dealing with Picky Eaters

One of the most common problems that parents face with their children is that the children end up being picky eaters. Many parents have no idea how to deal with this situation and end up frustrated, which is generally not good for the parent or the child. Yes, dealing with picky eaters can be extremely difficult, but it is a problem that can be easily overcome if dealt with using the right methods.

Figuring out what to feed your child can be daunting if you don’t have a basic idea of ​​their daily nutritional needs. First of all, it is crucial to have a diet plan for your toddler and provide him with the following nutrients in the recommended amounts.

• Breads and Cereals (Carbohydrates): 5 servings

• Vegetables and Fruits (Vitamins and Minerals): 4-5 servings

• Fish and Meat (Proteins): 2 servings

• Milk and Dairy Derivatives (Calcium, Proteins and other minerals): 2-3 servings

A well-balanced meal for a 1- to 2-year-old child would include: 1 slice of whole wheat bread or ½ cup of rice or pasta served with 1 cup of chopped vegetables 1 boiled egg or 1 ounce of cooked meat, poultry, or seafood 1 cup of yogurt or 1 ½ ounces of natural cheese and a cup of sliced ​​fruit.

Discussed below are some ideas to help you deal with picky eaters.

• Involve your child in the family meal and make mealtime an interesting time for them. Your children will notice that you eat the different foods on the table and will be encouraged to eat as you do. As parents, you need to be good role models and remember that your child will want to do things the way you do. If there is any food that you want your child to eat, you should make sure that your child sees you eat it first, as he or she will have an urge to eat it too.

• Avoid filling your plates completely. Children tend to get upset when they see their plates full of food. For your child’s mealtime to be successful, serve small amounts and if your child is still hungry, they will ask for more. Encourage your child to ask for another serving, as this can be good in the long run.

• There may be some foods with high nutritional value that your child refuses to eat. Just because your child turns down something once, doesn’t mean he stops serving you entirely. Try incorporating that particular food into other forms such as sauces, breads, and curries where the flavor of that food is not significant.

• Punishing children for being picky eaters is not the ideal solution. It just causes resentment in the child’s mind. Instead, provide them with a healthy choice of food on their plate. An important point to remember is that snacks and other foods should not be given just before a meal. Water and juices should also be avoided just before and during meals as they make the child feel full and also slow down digestion.

Keeping these points in mind as you serve your child can help them overcome the picky eating situation. To know more, visit http://www.pickyeatersarabia.com/en/