PROBLEM SOLVING - fussy eating

Fussy eating is a huge issue for many parents. Over the years I have heard so many stories about children that once ate everything then one day simply stopped and became fussy about what they would eat. I always thought this was strange as children usually have a reason for changes in their lives but as a parent I can see that this can seem to happen. 

Here's our story:

Our little guy got sick. He had to take antibiotics for an ear infection and between the illness and the medication he went off his food. I, like any parent, was concerned he wasn't getting the nutrients he needed especially at a time where he needed more vitamins and minerals to help his immune system. I began to give him alternatives and cook food that was easy to eat or that I knew he particularly liked. And gave him plenty of extra fresh juice which is his favorite.

The days passed and he recovered from his infection and life returned to normal. Well, all aspects of life except for food that is. He started to refuse meals and 'went off' many of the things he previously enjoyed. I began to get frustrated and thought I can't just cook the few meals that he would eat or give him fruit or yogurt when he refused to eat a meal. I decided to get tough! I cooked the food I would have the week before he got sick and refused any alternatives and avoided giving fruit and yogurt at meal times. He still had his two fruit snacks during the day (mid-morning and mid-afternoon) and I delayed his dinner by 30 minutes so he was a little hungrier to eat the meal. After a few minor tantrums and the pain of knowing he was a little hungry sometimes he returned to his hearty eating habits. 

It is not an easy thing to do for any parent as our instinct is to feed our child. I assure you it is worth it to avoid continued fussy eating which could lead to nutritional issues in the future. Our story shows that there is usually a reason for the fussy eating and you may have to back track several days or weeks to find the cause but there is a solution and your picky eater can become a food lover. 

Other tips to help you:

• Let your child help in food preparation - if they see how it's made they may be more inclined to try it!
• Give your child choices - offer two types of vegetable and allow them to choose one.
• Give fair portion sizes - don't overwhelm your child by giving huge pieces of broccoli!  Be content with them eating a very small piece then next time give them two small pieces!
• Try not to get in a fight over the food. Meal times should last around 30 minutes so drawing them out for hours will just make for an unhappy household.
• Avoid snacks and give healthy options rather than crisps, sweets or too much milk.
• If you're out be a little more flexible. There's nothing worse than getting into a big tantrum over a few vegetables left on the plate when you are supposed to be out celebrating something.
• Try to have a relaxed attitude to food.