How To Make Fussy Toddlers Eat

Hello, parents and caregivers! Welcome to The Seed Daycare blog, where we share tips and tricks to make your life easier and your kids happier. Today, we're going to talk about a common challenge that many of you face: how to make fussy toddlers eat.

We know how frustrating it can be when your little one refuses to eat anything but macaroni and cheese, or when they throw a tantrum at the sight of broccoli. You want them to have a balanced and nutritious diet, but you also don't want to force them or create a negative association with food. So, what can you do?

Here are some ideas that you can try to encourage your fussy eaters to try new foods and enjoy their meals:

• Make it fun. 

Kids love to play, so why not make eating a game? You can cut their food into fun shapes, use colorful plates and utensils, or make faces and animals with their food. You can also let them help you prepare the food, such as washing the fruits and vegetables, stirring the batter, or sprinkling the cheese. This way, they feel more involved and interested in what they're eating.

• Make it familiar. 

Sometimes, kids are reluctant to try new foods because they are unfamiliar or look different from what they're used to. You can help them overcome this by introducing new foods gradually and pairing them with familiar ones. For example, if you want them to eat carrots, you can start by adding a small amount of grated carrots to their macaroni and cheese, then increase the amount over time. You can also use dips and sauces that they like, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or hummus, to make the new foods more appealing.

• Make it positive. 

One of the most important things you can do is to create a positive atmosphere around eating. Avoid nagging, bribing, or threatening your kids to eat their food, as this can make them more resistant and stressed. Instead, praise them when they try something new or finish their plate, and reward them with a sticker, a hug, or a story. You can also model good eating habits by eating the same foods as them and showing enthusiasm and enjoyment. Kids learn by imitation, so if they see you eating healthy and happily, they are more likely to follow suit.

We hope these tips help you make mealtime more enjoyable and less stressful for you and your kids. Remember, every child is different and has their own preferences and pace. Don't worry too much if your toddler is not eating as much or as varied as you'd like. As long as they are growing well and have enough energy, they are doing fine.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's eating habits or nutrition, feel free to contact us at The Seed Daycare. We are always happy to help and support you in any way we can.

And don't forget to check out our website www.theseeddaycare.ca for more information about our daycare services and programs. We are opening soon in Edmonton and we can't wait to meet you and your kids!

Thank you for reading our blog post and have a wonderful day!