Getting a Picky Eater to Eat

I actually just dealt with a similar situation on Nanny 911. Believe me, food is one battle you do NOT want to fight on a daily basis! You said your child eats nothing. But honestly, he would not be alive today if that where the case, would he? Oftentimes, picky eating is a way of getting Mom and Dad's attention. And clearly, your son's "I don't eat anything" game plan has been working in his favor thus far.

Here is what I recommend:

• Take all junk food out of the house or keep it in an area so it is not in view. Only offer healthy food choices on a regular schedule.
• At every meal, put one healthy food on the plate that you know he will eat, then one new food. Tell your kid that he does not have to eat it, but that the new food stays on the plate. And don't make a fuss if he doesn't touch it!
• Keep a food log. For your own peace of mind, jot down what your child actually eats. You may be surprised at the results! You can also share this with your pediatrician when you discuss your child's diet.

Also keep in mind, there are lots of ways to be creative with foods too:

• Use cookie cutters to make things like sandwiches interesting shapes.
• Make "milkshakes" using real fruit.
• Get your child involved in grocery shopping and meal preparation, to keep them constantly interested in food.

All of these things will help take the anxiety out of mealtime, and hopefully make it a more enjoyable eating experience for everyone.

Get more child behavior tips from the Nanny 911 Nannies!