Every parent has experienced this problem at one time or another. One day your child will eat fine and the next they do not like anything. Being a picky eater is part of the norm for toddlers, it is just them trying to figure out what they like and can do.
It can be a frustrating time when you are trying to figure out what to fix them that is still healthy, but that they will also eat. There are a few things you can do that will make this stage easier.
How to help your picky eater
1. Nibble tray
Make a small tray for your picky eater that has different samples of the food they like. Toddlers like to eat more finger foods, because they are small like them. Allowing them choices will help them adapt to eating better. Make them a tray of fruits and vegetables you know they eat and sometimes giving them cute names will help the child relate to the food items.
Another reason children tend to be picky eaters is they do not want to stop and take the time to eat. So make them a tray of finger foods that will have a table life of at least two hours. That way they can nibble while they play. It may not be the most ideal way to get them to eat, but at least they are eating.
2. Offer dippings
Toddlers love to dunk stuff, so offer them a variety of dipping sauce to put their snacks in. You can use cottage cheese, applesauce and even peanut butter. It may be a little messy, but they will be eating. And of course letting your kid make a mess will engage them for a while, we all know how much kids love to make a mess.
3. Use spreads
Toddlers love to try and spread things, of course it will turn out like smearing. But teach them to use a butter knife and spread peanut butter or any other type of spread they like. Keeping them interested in things may be the key to helping them eat better.
4. Add toppings
Our toddlers are growing and learning to create things with their minds, they love to put toppings on things. Allow them to add the toppings to their foods.
Creating a way to let them top their food will make less-desirable foods more interesting. Yogurt is a good way to start, you can let them add granola, raisins, fruit or even chocolate chips. Which ever they like and will make it look more interesting for them.
5. Liquify it
Kids love to drink things, blending up some nutritious snacks can help. You can make a game out of it and blend them up a very healthy smoothie with some yogurt, ice cream and fruit. Your picky eater will love to add the things into the blender and of course the noise will distract them for a few minutes.
6. Plant it
Start a small garden that you and your child can work on together. They will love the idea of eating things they have grown themselves. Plus having them help you will broaden their minds and keep their little hands busy.
There are many things that you can use to keep your kids eating healthy. Using your imagination is the best way to start, you are the best authority about what your kid is interested in. Incorporate what they like into their food preparation and use that to help sell their food to them.
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