Home / Picky Eating / Tips

Struggling with a picky eater?

Don't panic - we have some tips for you!

Are you worried that your child is not eating healthy enough, and not getting the right nutrients to grow and develop well? Dealing with a child who is a picky eater can be frustrating, especially when you, as a mom, don’t know what you can do or are unsure how you can expand your child’s diet.

Children who are picky eaters have limited diets and are at risk of not getting enough or even the right nutrients they need to grow, develop and thrive.1 The great news is that there are many proven ways to persuade your child to try, accept and even enjoy new and healthy foods.

Here is a list of helpful tips we have compiled just for you:

#210129 PICKY EATING BANNERS_MOBILE-01

If your child isn’t hungry, don’t force a meal or snack. Let them come to you when they are hungry.

#210129 PICKY EATING BANNERS_MOBILE-02

Don’t bribe your child to eat certain foods as this can make the treat more exciting for them, and the food you want them to eat a chore.

#210129 PICKY EATING BANNERS_MOBILE-03

Serve small portions to avoid overwhelming your child, especially when trying new foods.

#210129 PICKY EATING BANNERS_MOBILE-04

Serve meals and snacks at the same time every day.

#210129 PICKY EATING BANNERS_MOBILE-05

Be creative with recipes and presentation. Add chopped veggies to pizza or soup or use different shape cookie cutters to make veggies or fruit into fun shapes.

#210129 PICKY EATING BANNERS_MOBILE-06

Reward good eating the right way – with praise, or stickers, or even a favourite game they can play after eating and not with treats such as ice cream, chips or sweets.

#210129 PICKY EATING BANNERS_MOBILE-07

Involve your children in the meal planning and cooking – let them put the groceries in the trolley, have them wash and peel the veggies or sift the flour.

#210129 PICKY EATING BANNERS_MOBILE-08

Be patient! Don’t lose your temper or shout but be patient and caring.

References:

  1. Kubala J. 16 Helpful Tips for Picky Eaters. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tips-for-picky-eaters Date Accessed: April 2021.
  2. 10 Tips for Parents of Picky Eaters. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Picky-Eaters.aspx Date Accessed: April 2021.
  3. Mayo Clinic Staff. Children’s Health. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/childrens-health/art-20044948?p=1 Date Accessed: April 2021.
299_Pediasure_Website refresh_FA_Bottom Banner 1920x400 Picky Eating
299_Pediasure_Website refresh_FA_Mobile 375x218 Picky Eating

Recommended Articles

Website fa page two_480x480-20

Child appetite and how to improve it

Read more

4stars-takealot_white

Recommended by parents, approved by picky eaters.

Parents and children recommend PediaSure® for its delicious flavor, ability to incorporate it into yummy recipes, and the 27 vitamins and minerals that help keep children strong and active.

stars5

For the first time to see my boy drinking milk so well I tried other milk but he didn't like them but this is different. I love you PediaSure.

Anita - 27 May 2021

stars5

My daughter loves it, she's 6 years old. Her appetite has improved since she started with this milk, I am happy she eats now. Highly recommend

Anita - 21 Nov 2021

stars5

Increases their appetite, keep snacks available all day. I have seen a great improvement.

Trinette - 14 Mar 2021

face

Join our family!

Sign up for our email list to discover fuss-free recipes, nutritional information & so much more!

Subscribearrow-right