Tips for Fussy Eaters

When it comes to feeding children, most every parent has experienced the frustration of dealing with a fussy eater – either once in a while or, worse, every day. If you have a fickle eater in your home, don’t give up hope just yet. Try one, two or all of these suggestions. While we can’t guarantee your children will suddenly eat everything placed in front of them, hopefully they will be a little more willing to try, especially in the company of their favourite Disney characters.

Is your child refusing to eat?

As long as it’s not every meal and your child is growing normally, relax. Your child knows his body signals best and may simply not be hungry. Ensure snacks are served 1-2 hours before mealtime and are size appropriate so as not to interfere with meals. Serve water between meals instead of more filling fruit juices.

Does your child want the same food all the time?

Don’t make a fuss. As long as it’s nutritious, don’t worry too much and simply keep offering other healthy choices along side her favourite item. Or better still; add small additions to her favourite food (e.g. add cut up banana or apple to that favourite peanut butter sandwich).

Is your child refusing new foods?

Continue to offer new foods in small amounts every other week. Tastes change all of the time and so that food he disliked two weeks ago could now be the new favourite. Never force a child to eat something, but rather encourage him to try just a bite. Serve new food in an environment where others are enjoying the new food as well. Watching siblings and friends eat new foods will help inspire young ones to try them.

Does your child refuse to eat fruits and vegetables?

Offer a variety of brightly coloured foods and let your child pick what interests her. Serve them at snack time when you know she is hungry. And offer them in different forms (slices, sticks, cubes, kebobs, etc.) or with a tasty ranch dip or salsa. If that doesn’t work, shred/puree vegetables and fruit into yogurt, sauces and other foods your child does enjoy.

Is your child taking too long to eat?

Be patient. Kids like to experience their food. Colours and familiar shapes, like those of a childs favourite Disney character, can be just what they need to eat at a more acceptable pace. Ensure distractions (such as TV) are removed to help keep them focused. Check portions sizes. Perhaps start with small servings and let him ask for more if he is hungry. Never force a child to finish everything on his plate. After 30 minutes, end the meal.

Does your child refuse to eat meat?

The texture of meat and the chewing effort required may turn children away from meat. Keep offering it. Ensure it’s in small easy-to-chew and digestible sizes. You can also offer other protein-rich foods including eggs, peanut butter, soy foods, beans and lentils and more.

What if you child won't sit still to eat?

Make mealtime family time. With today’s fast-paced schedules, we often eat standing up, on the run or while doing something else. Children learn by example. So remove distractions to keep their environment calm, ensure there is adequate time for meals and try not to rush them to finish.

Is your child too busy to eat?

With sport practices, music lessons, homework and more, sometimes it’s not possible to sit down for a relaxing family meal. But you can ensure your child has healthy food to take on the go by packing snacks that offer something from at least three of the four major food groups. Wraps, fruit, veggie sticks, muffins, yogurt, cheese, bagels, and more, can be mobile as well as nutritious.

Does your child refuse to drink milk?

Offer small servings but never force your child to drink it. Add it to soups, sauces, puddings, cereal, smoothies and more. Speak to your doctor if you feel there is an allergy concern.