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

Pediatric Services

Pediatric Extras

Prevent pediatric injuries

Recipe for finicky eaters

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Recipe 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.

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