Fussy eating can be defined as trying new foods or having small quantities.

Children often refuse to try new foods. Especially, pre-schoolers can be fussy with their food choices. Providing healthy food options becomes quite a challenge for a young mom.

The easiest way to go about it is to let child decide how much of the food to eat. Try not to make a fuss over foods, as this may make the problem worse.

For making the child try out new food, try the following tips:

• Do not fill your child up with drinks before a meal or snack.
• Stick to a mealtime routine.
• Make the mealtime enjoyable; engage, engage and engage.
• Don’t bribe or punish your child for refusing to eat.
• Keep re-introducing foods that your child has previously refused. At times, children need to see a new food a number of times before they finally taste it.
• Have child eat family meal with you, do not make kiddie meal.
• When offering a new food, offer some familiar foods as well.
• Set a time limit of around eating time 15 – 20 minutes for a meal. After that time, remove any uneaten food. Try not to offer food or drinks until the next planned meal.
• Try to stay calm and don’t make a fuss if your child refuses to eat or only eats a small amount.

Last but not the least, children don’t starve themselves. If they are healthy and active*, there is probably nothing to worry about if they are refusing to eat. However, if you are concerned about your child’s eating behaviors, talk to your Pediatrics.

How Sportyze can help?

Sportyze is a kids engagement company, we run health and wellness programs for children, all through their Tots till Teens years. Our fitness programs are sports base and help children remain fit and healthy. We believe that Healthy Children have Happier Parents. For an ACTIVE childhood, enroll your child for our fun-filled Fitness Program.