Food and healthy eating: Toddlers and preschoolers
Feeding your toddler or preschooler can have its ups and downs, but it can be very rewarding too! Eating habits that children learn when they are young will stay with them for a lifetime.
Picky eating
The topic of picky eating is one of the most common concerns parents have about their child’s eating habits. Believe it or not, it is normal for children to be picky or choosy about the foods they eat. At this age, they are still learning about food, learning how to be independent, and testing their boundaries at mealtimes. It is also quite normal for them to want a favourite food at every meal and for their appetites to vary based on their growth patterns.
The most important thing you can do as a parent or caregiver is to understand that this is a normal behaviour and that it is often short-lived. Follow these tips to ensure your child eats well and has a positive relationship with food.
Do…
- Trust your child to know how much to eat. This keeps mealtimes enjoyable and pressure free.
- Offer nutritious meals and snacks each day with a variety foods from Canada’s Food Guide.
- Schedule meals and snacks about 2-3 hours apart, as this will help your child come to mealtimes hungry.
- During mealtime, turn off the TV and sit your child at the table with the rest of the family.
- Get your child involved in the kitchen! Let them wash, mix, set the table, or even help shop.
Don’t…
- Force your child to clean off their plate or bribe them with dessert.
- Offer large portions that may be intimidating or restrict food when your child is still hungry.
- Let your child graze all day. This affects how hungry they are at mealtimes.
- Give your child juice to sip on throughout the day. Too much juice affects their appetite.
- Let your child eat with distractions such as toys, TVs, or tablets. This will affect how much they eat.
- Label food as “good” or “bad”. This can lead to disordered eating or cause children to have a fear of food.
Remember, as a parent or caregiver, you are responsible for what food is offered, where it is offered, and when it is offered. Your child is responsible for how much to eat and whether they eat. This model is called the Division of Responsibility (Ellyn Satter Institute). When everyone sticks to their roles, children learn to enjoy food and become competent eaters.
This item was last modified on October 3, 2024