It is quite natural for toddlers to refuse to eat whatever their parents offer them. They have their own preferences, likes and dislikes, just like any other adults. Hence, it is unreasonable for parents to expect their children to eat what ever the parents eat, but the toddlers can be steered to a proper eating habit and a wholesome meal by adopting certain strategies.
First of all, parents should realize that toddlers have a very small stomach and appetite. So they often eat very less at meal time and after one or two hours tell their parents that they are hungry and want something to eat. This is a common behavior pattern among toddlers and so parents should prepare for such an eventuality by keeping ready some nutritious snacks to sublimate for the frugal meal the kids had earlier. It is no use forcing the toddlers to eat more during meal time. Forcing them will not increase their appetite. Hence, allow them to have as much as they want, more or less, and then leave all the rest for the snack time, which should be nutritious.
If the toddlers eat too much sweets and junk foods, or drinks too much soft drinks they may not feel hungry at all and miss out on their nutritious diet, which of course is an unhealthy practice besides creating side effects such as tooth decay, over-weight and other health problems. Hence, parents should prepare a meal time routine and make sure that the toddlers’ diet has enough vitamins, minerals and proteins. And stick to this routine despite initial resistance from the kids.
Starchy foods such as wheat and rice products, oatmeal and potatoes; all types of fruits and vegetables and so on provide the kids with enough minerals and vitamins. Meat, fish, eggs, and diary products are excellent sources of proteins and minerals. Whole milk, instead of skimmed milk, should be given because children need more nutrition. Parents should ensure that the toddlers’ menu contains sufficient quantity of these items, and discourage them from eatting any other type of goods, which are harmful and good for nothing except to fill up their stomach.
Snacks such as slices of whole-meal bread and butter, a glass of whole milk, bananas, apples, cucumber or carrot sticks are excellent items that would substitute for the nutrition your toddlers miss due to their picky and skimpy eating at mealtime.
Posted on February 27th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Diet, Toddler
Leave a Reply