Fussy eaters

Meal times are often a challenge if your child refuses to try new foods or is fussy about what they will eat. Introducing a wide range of food to your child from an early age will help. There appears to be a lot of different advice around. For example we know milk is a good choice for our children’s teeth but did you know too much will make your child’s tummy feel full and they will be less likely to eat their meals. Your child will often need to be introduced to new foods, new textures and new flavours several times before they will eat them.

Tips to make meals times work:

· Sit with your child during meal times, eating together is a great way to encourage your child to try new foods and to establish good table manners.

· Reward your child with positive praise and attention when they try new foods.

· Do not over face your child with large portions. Your child is likely to eat their meal if you give them smaller portions, you can always give more if they ask for it.

· Introduce new food one at a time. Always try to give your child one item you know they like.

· Make mealtimes a relaxed fun time for your family. I.e. take turns talking about what is the best thing that has happened to them that day.

· Minimise disruptions during mealtimes. Turn off the TV and put mobile phones away.

· Do not force your child to eat, this will only lead to them being apprehensive about food and mealtimes.

· Resist the urge to fill your child up with sugary foods or unhealthy snacks, this will encourage your child to want these foods instead of meals in the future.