Picky Eaters - Why Your Child Might Say No to the Foods You Offer

At times, nothing can be more frustrating for a parent than having a child who is a picky eater. Especially when the child's health or weight is in question. Getting him to eat the foods that provide the nutrition necessary to be healthy can be an exercise in futility.

It is the last thing they're interested in. They're happy with the foods they like and trying to convince them otherwise only seems to make them more steadfast in their decision to say no.

When you think about it, all of us like to make our own decisions about what we like and don't like. The more someone tries to tell us we're wrong, the more we want to defend our decision, unless we are asking. When we ask we are open to another's perspective -- we want input.

Children are no different. Forcing children to eat something they don't like only makes them hate it all the more, and so all you can do is give in to whatever they're willing to eat that closely relates to a fruit, vegetable, or protein. You see it's one of the few areas where they can demonstrate control over their own lives.

That is why, whenever possible, it's important to let the final choice be theirs after you've provided the things they can choose from. It's a little like taking them to shop for the clothes they like that you are willing to pay for, and then on any given day they can go to their closet and pick out whatever they want to wear and everyone is happy.

In the same way, you can involve your child in grocery shopping and helping to choose meals, even allowing him to help prepare meals. This not only fulfills a need to make choices, but also teaches him about food preparation and feeling comfortable in the kitchen, not to mention the quality time spent together and the pride he would take in his own accomplishments.

You can make a grocery list together before going to the store so you can avoid arguments in the store. Leave a few foods that are negotiable open to decide on once you're there. You can talk about how much money you would like to spend so that you don't go over your budget. This will help minimize begging, which can lead to compulsive purchases or having to continually say no.

Allowing your children, whenever possible, to take part in the decisions that involve them will result in more cooperation. It also teaches them how to make responsible decisions for themselves in the future and to take responsibility for their own health. And what you will probably find is that they have some pretty good ideas to contribute.

Being a picky eater can be a good thing. It just depends upon what your picky about. If your particular about the quality of the food you eat, then it is a good thing. Today it's more important than ever to get as much nutrition per calorie and per dollar that you can. And eating healthier doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor either. Flavor is the most important component of the eating experience.

If you use a little butter or oil (some polyunsaturated oils are essential) along with herb, spices, and sea salt to cook your food you end up with a more nutritious flavorful meal that is better tasting than fast food, which is loaded with saturated fats, sugars, and salts that do more harm than good.

Remember, eating should be an enjoyable experience. Changes made slowly are more successful and lasting. Let your children lead the way by observing what works for them and what doesn't. Have a default plan in case things aren't going as you hoped, so there is no pressure and you don't feel defeated. When you feel good, they feel good, and they will be more open and willing the next time.

Eating doesn't have to be a battle of willpower, instead it can be a wonderful cooperative experience where you both learn and grow together. The body is genius. It knows what to do with the nutrition you provide. Have fun and you will be successful.

Julie M Rose has created NaturalNutritionGuide.com for the purpose of providing information in support of children's health. Her goal is to give parents an edge in making their own decisions about the well being of their children. Visit http://www.naturalnutritionguide.com for more information on children's nutrition, 7 tips on influencing your child's food choices, and other ways to support the health of your child.

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