Provided Courtesy of Nutrition411.com

Feeding A Fussy Toddler:

Putting the Pleasure Back Into Family Meals

Review Date 4/13 K-0534

What Is a “Fussy” Eater?

“Fussy” eating is a matter of perception:•Most toddlers go through “food jags”•Most toddlers refuse certain foods at times•Most toddlers will engage in power struggles with their caregivers

Consequences of Fussy Eating

•No known long-term nutritional consequences are associated with short periods of fussy eating•A pediatrician should monitor children with long-lasting fussy eating

Consequences of Fussy Eating (cont’d)

•Battles over food can create havoc in a household•Mealtime becomes a battleground between parent and child

The “Old” Way to Handle Fussy Eaters

What Is the Solution in Today’s World?

Managing a fussy eater involves a division of responsibility:•The parent is responsible for the “what, when, and where” of feeding•The child is responsible for the “how much” and “whether” of eating

Source: Satter E. Divisions of responsibility. Ellyn Satter Associates Web site. http://www.ellynsatter.com/divisions-of-responsibility-i-79.html. Accessed April 19, 2013.

Listen to the Expert!

Ellyn Satter

MS, RD, LCSW, BCDwww.ellynsatter.com

Advocates the “Division of Responsibility”

Parents’ Responsibility

•Serve meals at set times•Give sit-down snacks at set times•Provide 1 to 2 tablespoons of each food•Provide more food if it is requested

Parents’ Responsibility (cont’d)

•Say no to foods and drinks between meals (except water)•Provide a variety of healthy foods at meals and snacks •Provide a relaxed eating environment

Toddler’s Responsibility

•Choose what to eat•Choose how much to eat

Benefits of the Division of Responsibility

•Takes the stress off the parents to force a child to eat•Allows a child to have some decision-making at mealtime•Eliminates mealtime battles

Resources for Parents

•How to Get Your Child to Eat…But Not Too Much by Ellyn Satter: www.ellynsatter.com•Choose MyPlate: www.choosemyplate.gov

Answers to Common Questions

Q. What if my toddler won’t eat vegetables?

A. Provide vegetables at every meal, in different forms, and different types, but do not force your child to eat them.

Answers to Common Questions (cont’d)

Q. Should I make my child clean the plate?

A. No. You provide the food. It is the toddler’s choice whether or not to eat it.

Answers to Common Questions (cont’d)

Q. Should you allow children to eat whenever they want?

A. Provide nutritious meals and snacks. If the food is not eaten, children should wait until the next meal or snack time for food.

Answers to Common Questions (cont’d)

Q. Should my child take a multivitamin?

A. If your child has periods of eating poorly, a multivitamin is perhaps a good idea.

Answers to Common Questions (cont’d)

Q. What foods are good to offer to my fussy eater?

A. Provide a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy foods, and meat or meat alternatives.

Answers to Common Questions (cont’d)

Q. Should I allow my child to eat “junk” food?

A. You can include all foods as part of a healthy diet, as long as they are provided at scheduled meals and snacks. Offer different types of foods to introduce variety to your child.

Answers to Common Questions (cont’d)

Q. My child wants to leave the table before the meal is finished. Should I allow this?

A. Asking to leave the table is one way young children tell you they have had enough food. Allowing them to leave the table will please them and allow you to focus on your meal.

Making Mealtime Pleasurable

•Practice the “division of responsibility”•Provide healthy meals and snacks•Allow your child to choose what and how much to eat