Kids need choices. Often, as parents and caregivers to the children in our life, we often make the choices for them – what they are going to wear, where they are going, what they are going to eat, etc. Children that are perceived as “picky eaters” need choices. Trust me, it can feel exhausting to give a little one so many choices during the day, but it’s one of the most effective strategies I’ve personally witnessed. For each meal, give them two choices of what they can eat: apples or bananas, pasta or taco, milk or water, etc. Eat it or lick it (sounds bizarre, but often those kids that won’t eat a food will lick it) and even just look at it? 2 bites or 3 bites (they often go with the smaller number)? Big bites or tiny bites? Children need to feel like they have control. Little children love their independence. By providing them with choices, it’s a win-win situation. You’ve decided what they choices will be. They get to make the final decision. If they ask for an item that isn’t a choice, simply respond with, “Maybe next time. Your choices are apples or bananas.” If they say “apples” and then quickly change their mind to say, “bananas,” you might try saying, “You said apples. We are having apples. You can make a different choice next time.” Giving them choices is important and being consistent is even more important. This teaches your child that what they decide has power. It happens and you respect it. You should see a change with those “picky eaters” in your life just by providing choices. ~Marena Mitchell, Speech-Language Pathologist bringingtherapyhome
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:00:01 +0000
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