Gabe Ott receives emergency care for a rare disease in the Pediatric ER

Pediatric Services

Pediatric Extras

How can I encourage my finicky teen to eat better?

When does my child grow out of a booster seat?

Prevent pediatric injuries

Recipes for finicky eaters

Pediatric emergency poster

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Community comes together to host Supersitters Bootcamp

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Pediatrics in the News

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Recipes for Finicky Eaters

There is nothing more frustrating to parents than trying to feed a finicky eater. One child won’t eat green things. The other doesn't want anything except mac and cheese.

Don’t despair! Finicky eaters may be asserting their independence or responding to periods of slower growth rates. Regardless of the reason, parents shouldn't be overly concerned. These phases are typically temporary, and most pediatricians say that kids will “catch up” on nutritional needs on their own individual cycle.

Parents Can Help

So what should you do? First, be a good role model. Your child watches what you eat and mimics your habits. Cook nutritious meals and keep healthy snacks on hand. Serving sizes should be smaller. Food shouldn't be too hot or too cold. Introduce new foods at the beginning of meals when children are hungry, and then leave the choice up to the child. Although they may turn their nose up to a new food, keep trying. Over time, children will expand their food preferences. Also, try to get your children involved in preparing meals or snacks — it's a tried and true way of making your child more likely to sample the foods they've helped to create.

Recipes to Download

Download our recipes to end food fights and try them with your children:

• Lemon Whip
• Mini-Meat loaves
• Oven Roasted Sweet & White Potato Spears

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For information, please call our Health Access Line at 314-ANTHONY (268-4669) or 800-554-9550 or visit find a physician online.

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