Trying to Force Foods on Picky Eaters Not Worth the Effort

"Parents need to realize that having young children who are picky eaters is a common problem," says Dr. Mark Gilger, a gastroenterologist and nutrition specialist at Texas Children's Hospital. "So common, in fact, that it may be considered the norm. However, we tend to use the term "picky eater" in a negative sense, as if there is something wrong with a child because she or he doesn't eat like the parents or the rest of the family."

As children develop and begin to feed themselves, parents are encouraged to release some of their previous control over the child's eating.

"I suggest parents become considerably less passionate about meals," he says. "They should avoid analyzing their kid's eating habits and insisting on clean plates. Parents also should never use food as a tool to reward or punish behavior."

Dr. Gilger concedes that children, if left to themselves, will not innately seek out a well-balanced diet.

"The caregiver's responsibility is to provide the toddler with an appropriate array of foods from the different food groups," he says. "You are responsible for what your child is given to eat; your child is responsible for what and how much he or she eats."

Dr. Gilger notes that toddlers react negatively to new foods but are usually accepting with time. Parents can help by being flexible and making minor modifications in food preparation.

"Foods can be cut into bite-sized pieces, some foods can be made soft and moist; sandwiches can be served quartered with the crust removed," he says.

Generally, children ages 2 to 4 need about 1,000 to 1,300 calories daily. Parents who are concerned about their child's caloric intake should contact their child's doctor.

- From Texas Children's Hospital

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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