Got a picky eater? Your child’s appetite will start to pick up now as he enters a stage of steady growth. His energy and nutrient needs will be high in relation to his body size compared to yours. He will still have definite likes and dislikes, and maybe even some idiosyncratic eating behaviour, like not allowing his foods to touch each other on the plate. Your casual acceptance of his benign quirky behavior will ensure its transience, and your respect for his likes and dislikes will make him more willing to try new things when you ask.
Because he is older now, he can hold more and eat less often. That’s three squares and a couple of snacks a day (an after school snack is almost as essential as a regular meal). You may see a gradual acceptance of new foods but many kids continue to reject unfamiliar foods and pass on the vegetables. They seem to like simple dishes, food at room temperature rather than hot or cold. Most also reject strong flavours and are discouraged from eating when portions are too big.
Some Helpful Hints:
• Have set mealtimes;
• Choking can be a problem. Make your child sit down to eat;
• Cut meat in small pieces. Mix it with other foods;
• Give small servings of chicken, beans, eggs or cheese;
• Don’t give hard, round foods such as hard candy, popcorn, or grapes;
• Cut round foods into small pieces.
• When your child is thirsty, give water.
• Milk is still important. 2-3 glasses of Snow Brand SUPER KID-Plus Milk a day will fulfill most of your child’s nutritional needs if he is picky eater. Give milk with meals. If your child wants to just drink and not eat, give milk after the meal.
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