Understanding fussy eating
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As parents we sometimes face the challenge of fussy eating, where our toddler or preschooler may love a particular food one day and then flat refuse it the next - for no apparent reason! By understanding some of the reasons behind their fussy eating, it might make life a little easier for all of you. Here are 10 things you need to know about fussy eating in toddlers and preschoolers.
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However fussy eating is very common amongst toddlers and preschoolers. Your child is not alone!
By understanding some of the reasons behind their fussy eating, it might make life a little easier for all of you.
Understanding fussy eating
Here are 10 things you need to know about fussy eating in toddlers and preschoolers.
1. For many kids, fussy eating becomes apparent between 12 and 15 months of age. This happens to coincide developmentally with when toddlers are becoming aware of their independence, expressing themselves and testing the boundaries of acceptable behaviour.
2. Fussy eating is rarely a danger to your toddler's or preschooler's health. A healthy child will not starve from fussy eating.
3. Most toddlers and preschoolers are getting plenty to eat, even if it seems like they are barely eating at all.
4. Healthy toddlers and preschoolers tend to eat when they are hungry and usually not before.
5. Understand that there will be times when your toddler or preschooler is simply not hungry. Respect this and avoid forcing or coercing them to eat. Learn to recognise their natural appetite.
6. Toddlers' and preschoolers' appetites vary more than adults because they grow so quickly, and have different needs on different days.
7. Toddlers and preschoolers only have small tummies, so need more frequent mini meals and healthy snacks to satisfy their hunger.
8. Toddlers and preschoolers are not necessarily hungry at the same time as adults. They often fill up during the day when they are most active, so are less hungry in the evening.
9. Food often needs to be familiar before young children will try it.
10. Toddlers and preschoolers may refuse food just because they know it’s important to you and it provokes a reaction. They see it as a way for them to get your attention.
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Source: This article has been kindly written for us by Yum Yum Kids.