Dealing With Picky Eaters

Nicole D. from Porter Ranch, Ca. asks:

“How do I get my 2-year-old to try different foods?”

Try, try and try again. It is not definitive that your child doesn’t like to eat peas, or any kind of food, just because they didn’t want to eat it the first or second time. If you really want him or her to eat this food, keep trying. Keeping it from them is not the best way, as they need to learn that they must try different foods. A very good way to encourage them is to try eating it yourself in front of them, and making yummy faces or sounds. Children usually look to their parents to see how to react to things, and react the same way themselves. Also communicate with them and explain why you want them to try it. Giving praise and treats as a reward for trying it, perhaps an extra small cookie or five minutes on the iPad, might also help.