We all know that a healthy, varied diet is important for our children's growing bodies. But what if your child turns up his nose at just about everything you prepare (or worse, has a full-fledged meltdown when a new food is even near his dinner plate) and seems to subsist on a tiny and inflexible list of food items?
First, take a deep breath. As long as he's eating something on a fairly regular basis, your child won't starve — despite the sleepless nights you spend convinced that he will. Next, read up on nutritionist-recommended, parent-tested strategies for feeding your finicky eater:
- Find out just how many moms and dads share your food woes — then touch base with other parents about your feeding concerns.
- Learn the eight common types of picky eaters and discover strategies and recipes for dealing with each of them.
- Learn why your child is so choosy, and discover nutritionist-endorsed strategies to get him to try new foods.
- Should you prepare separate meals for your picky eater? Get the answer.
- See tips from other parents on crafty ways to sneak vegetables into your child's diet.
- Have a budding vegetarian on your hands? Discover how to make sure he gets the protein he needs.
- It's one thing to relax about food when your picky eater is growing normally, but that's easier said than done when he's underweight. Learn whether your worry about his weight is warranted.
- Find out how vitamins can help bridge the nutritional gap.
- Discover seven super foods that will boost any kid's diet.
- When you've run out of recipes, try these kid-friendly cookbooks for meal ideas even picky eaters will love.