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It is an exciting time when your toddler starts eating solid foods. Introducing them to new things is exciting and fun. Just like us there are food that she will love and others she will turn her nose at. During the infamous terrible twos some parents notice that their toddler is not interested in trying new foods or only wanting to eat one thing for breakfast lunch and dinner. A common fear is will they get the nutrients that they need to survive.

Often times parents don?t realize toddlers do not have to eat near as much as we may think. Their growth slows down about the age of two, which means a decrease in appetite. Therefore your active little two year old will fill up after a few bites and it is OK.

There is some concern for parents that the lack of fruits and vegetables can cause problems. Yes, these food groups are often a trouble spot for a lot of toddlers, and contain the healthy nutrients. Try not to worry as long as your child is growing at a normal rate.

New Food Introduction

Refusing new or uncommon foods to your toddler is not a strange or bad thing. The more you offer these foods the better chance you have of them trying it and possibly liking it. Just serve them a small amount of the new food to her plate a few times a week. Don?t pressure and don?t worry too much if she does not want to try it for a few times

A different way of trying this is to just offer a bite of the new food off of your plate. Often knowing that she only gets a small bite is less intimidating. Then if she does not like it then don?t stress and try again next time you make it. With most children food on mom?s plate tastes better than their own. If the food is on your plate and your child is watching you eat it your providing an example that it is good. Be sure to let her know how much you enjoy them. Seeing others enjoy it will begin to peek her interest

Involving Your Toddler

When planning the meal let your toddler choose what they want, I don?t mean set them loose in the pantry but offer two choices for a side or the vegetable it helps her know that her opinion matters and helps her feel like she is planning the meal too. This will help her be more open minded about trying things at meal time.
A fun way to get your child involved is allowing her to help you cook, your allowing her to help with the food choices. Even younger toddlers can do some things to help in the kitchen. A lot of recipe books have pictures which together you can select what recipe to make. Kids are usually eager to try things if they helped create it

Having a picky eater is a frequent source of stress ad friction between toddlers and their parents. Set an example of good eating with your eating habits but continuing to introduce new foods will help expand her tastes. Keep in mind if these don?t work try to not stress and know that it is usually a phase that will be outgrown.

One thing that has helped us with our Picky eaters was when I got involved with Dine Without Whine? which is a great AFamily Friendly Weekly Menu Planner

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Posted by Tamara Wilson -Work at Home Mom to four children. She runs several websites helping moms with issues that may arise with their children Such as Teen anger and Depression as well as sharing information to help their babies learn Baby Sign Language. Visit Website