Feeding your toddler can be quite a task. It is difficult to feed your child as toddlers are generally fussy and can make meal times a struggle time for you. However it is important to feed your child so all you can do is try out new ways to make your child eat.
First and foremost, never force feed your child. Limit the portions and make sure that your child likes what you serve. Generally a toddler in the age group of four to six needs approximately half to two thirds of an adult serving. You can include grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, meat, and a very small portion of sweets in your toddler’s daily diet.
It is important to inculcate smart eating habits in toddlers. For this here are few things that you can try to encourage your child to eat:
• Try to have regular family meals where the toddler is taught how to eat and what to eat.
• Serve a variety of healthy food to all.
• If your child refuses to eat meat, try to teach him/her by eating it yourself. Kids tend to imitate so if you eat they will automatically start eating.
• Never fight at the food table.
• Involve kids while you eat. Seek their opinion regarding what they like and what they don’t so as to make meal-time a fun time.
While you are at home, make sure you stock your home with healthy food options. Serve your child lean meats at first till they get used to it and then slowly start introducing different varieties of healthy meats. Limit the amount of fat and sweet servings as they are not healthy options.
The best way to get your child eat something is by becoming a role model. If you show your child that the food that he/she is refusing to eat is tasty then the child will automatically start eating without much fuss.
However if all fails, then remember meat is not the only source of protein. It is not mandatory that your child must eat meat in order to fulfill his or her protein requirements. You can get your child to eat cheese, drink milk, and eat peanuts or other protein-enriched food items.
Make sure you consult a good nutritionist and find out which foods are rich in protein. While chalking a diet plan ensure that you take your child’s gender and age into consideration too.
Submitted by P T on April 30, 2010 at 02:08
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