Fifteen ideas for family fitness
Healthy Eating Tips for your Family
Parents
Helping the Picky Eater
It is normal for children to be picky. After your child's first birthday, his or her growth will slow down and your child will eat less food. As your child's eating habits change don't worry that he or she is not eating enough food. When offered healthy foods, most children do a good job of eating a balanced diet all by themselves. Keep in mind that:
1. Children naturally have wide swings in appetite. It is common for children to eat good one day and then eat almost nothing the next.
2. Younger children have small stomachs and can eat as often as 5 or 6 times a day. Plan healthy snacks as part of the daily meal schedule.
3. Your responsibility as a parent is to provide healthy food for your child. It is your child's job to decide how much he or she needs to eat. If your child is not hungry for a meal, they will have another chance to eat at the next meal or snack.
4. Children often have food jags where they eat only one or two favorite foods. Don't worry, just continue offering your child's favorite foods along with new ones.
5. Don't force your child to eat. Children only eat enough to satisfy their hunger. They will usually stop eating when they are full.
6. Children can be very persistent. Don't give in to preparing special foods just so they will eat. Offer what the family is eating and if they refuse they will have a chance to eat again at the next meal or snack.
