It is no secret that many children are picky eaters. This doesn’t mean that your child is bratty or that you’ve failed as a parent, there is actually a scientific reason as to why kids are picky eaters. Kids are less energy efficient than adults, which means that they need more energy rich foods. Kids also have smaller bodies and smaller digestive tracts, which makes it more difficult for their bodies to digest bulkier foods or foods that are high in fiber. However, this does not mean that kids should live off of fast food and animal crackers. It is important to feed them a balanced diet, which unfortunately is easier said than done. That is why our Fremont daycare center has come up with these tips for encouraging your picky eater to eat healthier:

• Small bites- It takes a child a lot longer than an adult to develop a taste for something. You will be much more successful with introducing new foods if you feed them small portion sizes to begin with. The more they try it, the more likely they are to like it in the future.
• Cut back on snacks- Kids get hungry a lot, and they eat a lot of snacks. A few snacks throughout the day are fine, but don’t let them get so filled up on snacks that they are unwilling to eat their dinner.
• Show them the way- Small children are like sponges. They are watching your every move, so be mindful of what you eat. If you show them how tasty veggies and fruits can be, they will be more willing to try them!