Is Your Child a Picky Eater?

on December 9, 2008 at 10:43 AM

One of the most frustrating things many parents have to deal with is a fussy or picky eater. Actually, it is quite normal for kids—particularly those ages 2 to 6—to have eating difficulties at some point. The good news is that in most cases their appetite will naturally adjust depending on how much energy and nutrients they need.

How do you deal with picky eaters?

Note: I changed the title of my post to better reflect the question about picky eaters, not members of the "clean plate club".

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: dinner, family meals, food, kid-friendly, lunch, snacks

Comments (9)

mum2gr8byz

on Dec 9, 2008 at 11:57 AM

our boys are good eaters MOST days :) but we never worry if they don't finish a meal. Our philosophy is they'll eat if they're hungry, they'll stop if their not. As long as we are offering healthy food options at every meal, then they should be fine :)

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Star76

on Dec 9, 2008 at 12:00 PM

Heck NO! "The Clean Plate Club" is a HUGE part of the reason we have so many not just fat, but obese people in this country. It teaches kids to not trust their own bodies when they are eating and feel full.

coutterhill

Making a kid finish all of their food if they are full teaches them to overeat. My mom did this to me and I got fat. My kids stops eating when he is full and I don't force him to finish. As long as he eats his vegetables and some meat, he's fine.

Purpleivy

on Dec 9, 2008 at 12:04 PM

Definitely have to agree, they will eat if they are hungry. We do require that the kids try at least one bite of everything on their plate. Sometimes the same food in different forms can make kids a little wary. For example, my son loves potatoes just about anyway you make them. The other day, he didn't want to eat the "stuff" on his plate (Just sliced potatoes). Once he tried a bite, he scarfed them all down. I just like to make sure that it's not just the way it looks that keeps them from eating.

livetolaughlove

on Dec 9, 2008 at 12:07 PM

I don't make the baby finish her plate, i offer her just enough food- sometimes she wants more, and sometimes, when she is done she just stops eating. Right now she is not picky- she eats everything I give her-wonder how long that will continue?! But as she grows, I don't intend to MAKE her finish her all of her food, as long as she gets a few bites in of the vegies, I will be satisfied with that.

Cafe MicheleZ

on Dec 9, 2008 at 12:17 PM

I don't think the "clean plate club" makes people overweight. It's the serving size. Kids shouldn't be given too much food on their plate...just enough to give them what they need.

PsychicSherry

on Dec 9, 2008 at 12:49 PM

I have my picky eaters 'help cook' their food. I cut things into shapes as much as I can....and I always make them try something new. If they have not tried it in a while...I make them try it again. I don't force them to finish....but if they do not eat...then NOTHING else is given. (unless they absolutely hate what I made)

Jjwebb

on Dec 9, 2008 at 1:10 PM

I have one really picky eater out of my five. He's two years old. I normally make him something seperate from the others. I known it's a faze, we are just waiting it out.