Child Nutrition

Coping with a Picky Eater

Be a Good Example: 
As a parent you are always looking out for your children.It is especially true when it comes to their health and well being.  But in today’s confusing world it can be rather frustrating to deal with a picky eater.  

Please keep in mind that a child’s appetite can vary from time to time. 

This pamphlet will help your child with forming healthy eating habits. 

Always remember that today you build a foundation, helping your 
kids develop good eating habits for a lifetime.  

Give Peas a Chance!
Kids are copycats.  What they see you do, they will do.  If parents skip breakfast, junior will want to skip it too.  Be a good role model by sitting down to eat.

•      Don’t give up.  Offer new types of food regularly.  Sometimes it takes several attempts before children even try a new food.

•      Try new foods at the same time you offer your child’s favorite. 

•      Set regular meal times.  Encourage the family to eat together. 

•      Involve your child in food preparation. Give them a chance to make some simple choices; “Which do you want?   Green beans or peas?

•      Make the meal time a happy time.  Arguments and anger will spoil everyone’s appetite.  

This is not  “Mission Impossible!” 

My child… …refuses to try new foods

•      Get your child to help you shop for new types of food to try – like whole-wheat bread or kiwi fruit.

•      Let your child choose the amount of new food in the beginning of the meal, when the child is most likely to be hungry. 

…rejects food

•      Find out why your child does not like a specific food.  Kids usually prefer raw vegetables with a dip.  Cooked vegetable to just barely done and try adding  a little cheese sauce.   

…eats tiny amounts of food

•      Children’s appetites vary.  Keep healthy snacks on hand to be ready when they get hungry. 

…looses interest in eating

Encourage kids to help you.  They can wash fruits and tear lettuce.  Try shaping sandwiches with different cookie cutters to make them fun.  

Bo dy Boosting Snacks

•      Peanut butter – use on toast, fruits, celery, cookies

•      Cheese – melt on bread and vegetables, add to casseroles and soups, put on sandwiches and eat all by itself.

•      Whole milk – use in milk shakes and in cooking

•      Dry milk or instant breakfast – add to milk, milkshakes, and mashed potatoes.

•      Eggs – add to casseroles, hamburger, use in vegetable omelets.

•      Oil or butter – add to soups, vegetables, cereals, casseroles, noodles, and mashed potatoes 

      Snacking with the Pyramid Guide!  

Grain: Try crackers, bagels, or cereal as a snack

Vegetable: Raw vegetables taste great with yogurt or bean dip

Fruit: Offer fresh fruit chunks, frozen fruit, and juice pops

Milk: Try flavored yogurt, string cheese, chocolate milk, or ice cream

Meat Substitute: Put peanut butter on crackers, offer hard-boiled egg, or cheese

Collier County Health Department—WIC

P.O. Box 429, Naples, FL 34106

Phone: (239)-252-8208

Fax: (239)- 252-8221

USDA is an equal opportunity

provider and employer.