Remember when your sweet 9 month old would happily eat any combination of pureed veggies and meat you put in front of them? Are you now faced with an assertive two- or three-year old who has learned the word “NO!” at the dinner table and has developed quite a pitcher’s arm for throwing food? Your toddler is suddenly a picky eater!
Good news, Mom and Dad – this is actually age-appropriate behavior! Children at this age are learning they are their own person, but don’t know how to handle their newfound independence – just like when they want to wear shorts, a raincoat, and a superhero cape all at the same time.
Here are some tips to get through this phase:
- Give choices. Do you want carrot sticks or peas tonight? By letting your child choose, you are letting them feel like they’re in control of what they are eating, and everyone will be happier at the dinner table.
- Don’t bribe or beg. If you feel like you have to argue with your child to get them to eat a few bites of dinner, you’re letting them call the shots. They’re pretty smart, and they’ll quickly realize that they’re in control – but like everything else in parenting, they need limits.
- Compromise – sort of. Aim to have something healthy at the meal you know your child will like, and offer new foods that you expect them to try – but don’t force it. Resist the temptation to make the same unhealthy meals everyday because you know they’ll eat them.
- Children will eat when they’re hungry. Science has taught us that when it comes to nutrition, young children know what their bodies need; if a child’s calorie needs go down, they will eat less. When they have a growth spurt, they will eat more. Continue to offer healthy options and trust that they will eat when they need to.
- Remind yourself that this is a phase. Really. No adult eats only pasta with butter, and everyone grows up to like at least some vegetables and fruits!
Don’t panic when your toddler is suddenly a picky eater. Continue offering a variety of meals, set the expectation that your child will eat them, and let them choose from the options you’ve made. And remember that they will outgrow this!
For more tips and ideas on how to handle extremely picky eater two- or three-year olds, feel free to drop us a line.