Ideas for parents to deal with picky eaters

One of the most common problems parents face with their children is that 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 parents or the child. Yes, dealing with picky eaters can be extremely difficult, but it is a problem that can be easily overcome with the right methods.

Finding out what to feed your child can be mind-boggling if you don’t have a basic idea of ​​their daily nutritional needs. First of all, it is essential to have a diet plan for your young child and provide 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 (protein): 2 servings

• Milk and dairy products (calcium, protein and other minerals): 2-3 servings

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

Here are some ideas to help you deal with picky eaters.

• Involve your child in the family meal and make mealtime an interesting time for him. Your children will notice that you are eating the different foods at the table and they will be encouraged to eat like you. As parents, you should be good role models and remember that your child will want to do things like you. If there is food that you want your child to eat, you need to make sure that your child sees that you eat it first, as they will feel like eating it later too.

• Avoid completely filling your plates. Children tend to get upset when they see their plates full of food. To make your child’s mealtime a success, 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 it stops serving you entirely. Try incorporating that particular food into other forms such as sauces, bread, and curries where the flavor of that food is not significant.

• Punishing children for being picky eaters is not the ideal solution. It just provokes 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 the 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 while caring for your child can help you get through the difficult eating situation. To learn more, visit http://www.pickyeatersarabia.com/en/