Introduce
When it comes to food, Kathleen Chiu’s four-year-old daughter Julianne definitely has her opinions. Like many parents, Catherine faced the challenge of being a picky eater when shopping. With over five hundred varieties of vegetables and fruits to choose from, you might be confused about what to buy. But Catherine isn’t alone – one in three parents say their child is a picky eater.
Insights from Registered Dietitian Annie Hoang🍓
Registered dietitian Annie Hoang said there is no need to worry about your child being a picky eater. In fact, she explains, this is a natural stage in children’s development where they assert their independence. Hoang stresses that it is crucial to provide young children with a variety of foods during this time.
As children get older, it can be difficult for them to accept new flavors. Hoang advises parents to remember that children have smaller bellies and pay attention to their fullness signals. Just like adults, children’s appetites fluctuate through different stages. It’s important to remember that kids don’t need as much food as adults, so there’s no need to bribe them with extra appetizers or desserts.
Task division and children’s participation in food preparation🥗
Hoang recommends that parents take charge of deciding what they eat and let their children decide how much to eat. By involving children in meal preparation, parents can ensure that the whole family eats the same meals. The practice of portioning meals to satisfy picky eaters should be avoided.
It is also important to monitor your child’s growth and seek advice from your family doctor. Make it a priority to eat healthy instead of relying on supplements. Like many parents, Catherine was concerned about her daughter’s limited food options. However, she acknowledged that Julianne is overall healthy and growing and that this phase will eventually pass.
Diploma
Picky eating is a common part of childhood, but it’s not a cause for concern. By understanding their child’s level of independent development and paying attention to their child’s satiety signals, parents can help their children develop a healthy relationship with food. Remember, eating healthily and involving children in meal preparation are crucial. Eventually, these phases will pass and a new chapter in your child’s eating habits will begin.
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