Toddlers wouldn’t earn their reputations without being the picky eaters that they are. However, this should be understood as a developmental phase out of which only time and parental help can help pass out of.

Here are a few simple things to help you deal with the picky eater situation:

• Make sure that you serve small portions regularly.
• Offer your child food that looks tasty and appetizing.
• Don’t force your toddlers to empty their plates.
• Don’t bribe them to eat.
• Offer a balanced and healthy diet.

There are also ways of making your children’s mealtimes interesting:

• Set regular mealtimes so that your toddler starts to get hungry before feeding time.
• Make them new, healthy and colorful snacks so they look forward to mealtime. Avoid too many sweet foods; help to teach them to enjoy other tastes.
• Serve snacks in their favorite ‘nibble plate’.
• Mix up their favorite food stuffs with the stuff they don’t like to eat e.g. vegetables.
• Eat as a family. This way children can feel like being part of a fun activity

Above all, be patient. If your toddlers don’t eat at their regular time, try offering them the same after one hour. It is also important for your toddler not to be distracted with toys and television during mealtimes.