Question

Young children tend to be “picky eaters.” This may lead to an imbalanced diet, poor intake of vitamins and minerals, and an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies. In this discussion you will gather and share ideas to help with this problem. Your first post should include the following three points.

1) Discuss toddlers/children. Briefly discuss the reason for your selection.

2) Using the HON website from Unit 1, research to find a reliable source for specific tips and strategies on how to encourage children to eat a well balanced diet. Include the web link to the specific article.

3) Using your research, describe at least one idea which might be used to support with eating/feeding challenges of children. Do you think the idea will work? Why or why not? Have you tried any of the ideas with your family or seen others use the suggestions?

Answer 1

1. Toddler or children

Many parents complain about their toddler or children that they are picky eaters. But it simply reflects their children’s normal response to new foods. Children are naturally neophobic (inborn fear of trying anything new even food). This habit is generally seen in children between the ages of 2 and 5 years to resist eating new foods, and may have about four to five favorite foods that they readily accept. This is a natural part of children’s development. Children who are picky eaters possibly have adequate diets. So we have to select children as per information given by parents.

1. We can specific tips and strategies on how to encourage children to eat a well balanced diet by referring articles available on HON website

Tips are

Have regular family meals.

Serve a variety of healthy foods and snacks.

Be a role model by eating healthy yourself.

Avoid battles over food.

Involve kids in the process.

·         Allow kids to invite a friend to dinner.

·         Involve your child in meal planning and preparation.

·         Keep mealtime calm and friendly — no lectures or arguing.

As given in article Healthy Eating

kidshealth.org/en/parents/habits.html

Other tips given in article Children's nutrition: 10 tips for picky eaters - Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy.../childrens.../childrens.../art-20044948

are also useful.

1. One of idea which will be really helpful to support with eating/feeding challenges of childrenis to Involve kids in the preparation of food. This is my self-experience that this idea works.

Generally kids will enjoy deciding what to make for dinner. They like the feeling that they are involved in decision making of what to eat. Discuss with kids about making choices and planning a balanced meal. Take their help for shoping for ingredients for meal.

While preparing in kitchen, select age-appropriate tasks so kids can play a part without getting injured or feeling overwhelmed. Praise children for their help in making meal.

This develops acceptability of new meal by the children as the new dish is prepared by them, it is their own dish so they don’t resist it to eat. This will really helpful to adopt healthier choices in their life.