My 5-year-old daughter only wants to eat noodles with butter
and pancakes. What do I do?
-
Arlene
It can be frustrating when kids want to eat the same thing
every day - but it's not uncommon. Encourage them to try at
least a few bites of different nutritious foods at each meal. Kids
are often slow to accept new tastes and textures, so you may
have to present a food 10 to 15 times before they'll try
it.
Look for recipes with ingredients your kids like, and invite
them to join you in the grocery shopping, cooking, and serving of
foods. Don't let them fill up on juice, and try offering
veggies as between-meal snacks.
It's important not to let a child's pickiness become a
source of mealtime tension. You shouldn't cook special meals
just for a picky eater, but do include something he or she
likes in every meal. And although it might be tempting, don't
use food as a reward. Telling kids they can have a cookie if
they eats their broccoli only reinforces the appeal of the cookie
over the veggies.
For more information, check out these articles:
Healthy Eating
Kids and Food: 10 Tips for Parents
Toddlers at the Table: Avoiding Power Struggles
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
Originally reviewed by:
Neil Izenberg, MD
Have a question?
Email us
.
We regret that we can't reply to any email inquiry. Although
we can't reply personally, you may see your question posted to
this page in the future. If you're looking for medical advice,
a diagnosis, or treatment, consult your doctor or other qualified
medical professional. If this is an emergency, contact emergency
services in your area.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.