Tips For Parents of Fussy Toddlers

1. Make eating fun -- for example, cut sandwiches, pieces of fruit, cheese into patterns. Let toddlers eat at a small table, etc.


2. Keep meal preparation for toddlers easy and quick, so you can accept it without anger if they will not eat what you have made for them.


3. Do not have battles over foods. Do not use bribes or force. Try to avoid tension at meal times.


4. When it is clear that they will not eat any more, let them leave the table. Do not insist on clean plates; serve a little less next time. Parents must understand that a "good" eater is not a big eater but a moderate eater.


5. Many toddlers cannot adjust to their parents' three meals but will eat nutritious foods as snacks.


6. If they help preparing (or even growing) vegetable foods ( for example shelling peas or making a salad) they may like to taste them.


7. Do not give delicious high fat and sugar foods (cake or chocolate) before a meal or if they will not eat their main meals.