How to get a picky toddler to eat
A very common question roaming around is, “Are toddlers naturally picky eaters? Or do parents create picky eaters?”. How to get a picky toddler to eat is a big task for parents, but with patience and hard work, you can control this behavior, and your Toddler will get enough food and nutrients.
What is Picky Eater
Your child is a picky eater when he refuses to eat the majority of the food you give them and prefers to eat something to their liking only. They also show signs of being picky eaters when they like the food one day and start disliking it the next. This is a typical behavior that toddlers show when they are most likely wanting to be independent.
Are Toddlers Naturally Picky Eaters
During the years 1-3, kids are exploring their authority, and this includes their food preferences. It can be frustrating for parents when their child becomes a picky eater, but these behaviors are actually quite natural.
There are a few reasons why toddlers tend to have varying appetites:
- They may be going through a growth spurt.
- Their activity levels can vary from day to day.
- They don’t need as much food as babies since they’re not growing as quickly.
- Toddlers have small stomachs so they fill up easily.
- They get easily distracted by everything else going on around them.
- They want to show how independent they are by refusing certain foods.
Do Parents Create Picky Eaters
It’s common for children to develop picky eating habits by observing and copying their parents’ behavior. When parents use punishments, bribes, or rewards in relation to their children’s eating habits, it’s more likely that those children will become picky eaters. Worrying too much for toddlers to eat, and offering them varieties and meal after meal also cause toddlers to become picky eaters.
Parents Checklist For Picky Eaters
Conclusion
It can be easy to get stuck in a rut of feeding your child the same things once you’ve found something they like and will eat. But even though it may seem like they’re eating enough, it’s important to offer a variety of foods to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Keep offering new foods and eventually, they’ll learn to enjoy them!
