Toddlers (aging one to three years old) can be really picky eaters. It is also at this stage that they are focused on developing a sense of autonomy or self-control, hence the fickle process in their food preferences that might compromise proper nutrition. Parents play an important role in achieving their child’s healthy eating habits. Here are some tips you can do to avoid struggles with your toddler during meal time:
- Offer Healthy choices. Give your child same healthy foods that you and your family enjoy. Include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and protein-rich foods. In preparing our toddler’s food, we have to also make sure that little or no salt/sugar is added on their meals. Consider as well iron-rich foods that can be found in fishes, meat, eggs, beans and a lot more which helps for their growth and development of their brain. This will also prevent iron deficiency anemia. You can also offer your toddler their own spoon while feeding him/her, letting them feel in control.
- Stick to the routine. Serve meals and snacks at about the same time everyday. A structured routine of meals and snacks can help them develop healthy eating habits. Also, bear in mind that breastfeeding should be continued until 2 years of age. Clean water can be offered to your toddlers as a healthy beverage whenever they are thirsty.
- Serve the right portions and be creative. It often happens that parents tend to overestimate how much food their child should eat. Keeping the recommended amounts of food in control can train your child not to overeat, thus less likely to become overweight or obese. Doing a little “extra” in preparing their food is also fun, making them more enticing which can stimulate appetite. Always find time to learn and explore on how to make your toddler’s meal an enjoyable one.
- Break from bargaining. The most common mistake we do with our toddlers during mealtime is that we negotiate. Avoid bribing your toddlers with treats or desserts for eating healthier foods as this can make the reward food more exciting. Always be patient in dealing with the refusals and instead offer them healthier food choices.
- Set as a good example. Be a good role model for your child. We have to understand that during this stage, toddlers will show greater independence and mimic the behavior of others.
It is best that Healthy eating habits is established in early childhood. Making healthy meals and snacks will provide both parents and toddlers a worthwhile experience. It is indeed a valuable foundation to promote healthy practices for a lifetime! (NO II Aurel/OIC-NPC Flores)
References: https://www.verywellmind.com/autonomy-versus-shame-and-doubt
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toddler-meals.html
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/helping-your-1-3-year-old-child-eat-well
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/childrens- health/art-20044948
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Picky-Eaters.aspx
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/1072-how-to-handle-picky-eaters