Wish to cure or prevent ‘a fussy eater’? Our top tips

1. We all want children to eat and thrive.  Remember to keep things in perspective - children will not normally starve themselves!  Avoid getting ‘hung up’ on food – an easy temptation!
2. Don't use meal times or food as tools for punishments – keep these times special; an enjoyable quality time for all.  Great social occasions; fantastic opportunities for regular ‘conversations’.  Additionally, lots of learning can be achieved -  in tasting different foods; tastes, textures, cooking styles … and which ones are good for teeth and bodies!
3. Present foods attractively without giving options for something different – a ‘take it or leave it attitude’ ensures there isn't a battle ground.  See tip 11.
4. It is vitally important not to make eating times into negative experiences.  Some children will use ‘meal times’ to gain negative attention and escalate into a vicious circle.
5. Keep regular times for meals and snacks.  Snack are important, youngsters are continually ‘on the go’.          
6. Serve food on the largest bowl/plate available – so portions appear small
7. Give the smallest portions at the beginning (below normal appetite) – so praise is given for a clean plate.  
8. Children to serve food themselves.  An older child might be encouraged to serve their whole meal; ‘a little of each’ or with a small serving spoon ‘a spoon of each’.  The younger child will gain satisfaction from serving themselves seconds and maybe thirds of the foods they especially like after eating their initial plateful of firsts.
9. Keep eating time short.  Children generally eat all they need within twenty minutes.  Young children find it difficult to sit still, with unrealistic expectations the situation will become a negative one. 
10. Remove unwanted food immediately without comment.  Put the emphasis on what is preferred – praise what is eaten, ignore what is not.
11. Involve children in menu planning and preparing food.  Encourage creativity within ‘balanced diet guidelines’ for meal contents.  Giving opportunities to become involved prior to meal or snack times gives children control and supports the opportunity to enjoy their own endeavours.

At any of the nurseries run by Springlands Nursery in Colchester - there is a reason for everything we do - meal times are happy times - it is amazing to see children enjoy a full range of foods from around the world, use table manners and become totally independent in laying the table, serve food and clear away!  A totally sociable and enjoyable experience.