How to Handle Picky Eating in Children

It is completely normal for children to be picky eaters, especially in the 1 to 3 years age group. Recent studies show that a child may refuse a food at least 15 times before accepting it for the first time! So rest assured, your son is completely normal

Don't get tired of offering food: Continue to present foods consistently, making sure not to force the child to eat something they don't want. Give him a sense of reassurance: A child's feeling of safety and the absence of pressure increase their acceptance of trying new food; all you have to do is provide this calm environment

Some children prefer soft or pureed food; in this case, make sure to choose healthy foods that match this texture (such as: bananas, zucchini, custard, or yogurt). On the other hand, if they prefer a crunchy or dry texture, you can offer them rusks or carrot sticks

If your baby is still breastfed, adding a little bit of your breast milk to foods helps a lot in encouraging them to eat it, such as adding it to oatmeal or purees when serving them. Try this trick and notice the magical result!

One of the most important ways to encourage a child to eat is to allow them to play with their food! Put some food next to your child while they are playing and leave them to their freedom; they will start by discovering it first as if it were toys, and then begin to try it. True, this method causes some mess in the place, but it is very effective, try it with your child!

Always remember that your child being satisfied with eating just one or two types of vegetables and fruit is considered a success; it is never necessary for them to eat all types.

Dear mother, remember that a child's eating behavior is a reflection of their parents' behavior; you are their role model and they always imitate you. If you eat salad, they will eat it like you, and if you prefer eating sweets, they will get used to loving them too!