Talking About Kids tips for March 26th's program, Nutrition/Health for Children

Make meal time fun -- use colorful plates, foods cut in creative shapes, allow your children to participate in creating fun food and arranging it on the plate.

Introduce unusual and exotic fruits and vegetables early in your child's life and make them "special treats" instead of candy, cookies, and cake.

Avoid distractions at the dinner table -- turn off the TV and encourage good manners. Do not scold or criticize your child at the dinner table. It could create anxiety and a desire to get away from the table fast.

EASY ON THE JUICE! Many children drink excessive juice, fruit punch and other beverages. Although fruit juice is nutritious, too much may contribute excess calories, promote tooth decay (especially when consumed via a bottle) and may lead to a diet lacking variety due to the child "filling up" on beverages. Try to limit to l2 oz. per day.

Portion size for your toddlers: One tablespoon (of the food offered) for each year of life. For example, an appropriate serving size of mashed potatoes for a three year old is 3 tablespoons. This can help you determine appropriate expectations for food consumption.

If your child refuses food, don't give up. Try preparing it in other ways. If plain steamed broccoli was refused, try melting cheese on top, or serving it raw with a dip, or chop it finely and hide it in his/her favorite casserole.

Do not allow "picky eaters" to control you by making separate dinners. Provide a variety of foods on the table. Forcing your child to eat everything will likely lead to unpleasant associations with that food. Try preparing the rejected food in different forms for another time.

Avoid a low calorie deprivation diet for your children. It can interfere with their natural growth and lower their energy level.

Do not restrict fats younger that age 2.

Create a positive eating environment and do not yell at a child for not eating. Simply excuse them and make them aware that they will have to wait until the next planned eating time; studies show that a toddler will regulate their intake to meet their needs over one week. Thus, skipping one meal won't hurt them.

Avoid using food as a bribe. Provide positive reinforcement when they try a new food or eat most of what is on their plate.

You are an important role model. You cannot expect your child to eat balanced, healthy meals if you do not yourself.

Avoid labeling foods as "good" or "bad." Your child may desire the "bad" food more merely because of the label. Also, foods can fit into a balanced diet.

If possible, avoid bottles past one year. Work with a cup, even if it's messy at the start. Find a cup that's easy to handle. Allow the child to pick it out at the store.

Tasha Dershem, RD
St. Christopher's Hospital For Children