Toddler food challenges can test even the most patient parents. Toddlers strive to demonstrate their independance weather it means putting on their own shoes or choosing what they are (or are not) going to eat!
Often the tantrums that come with toddlerhood cause parents to choose to do whatever seems to keep the peace, other parents choose to be firm and listen to the tantrum. Which ever method you choose remember these two facts:
- As long as healthy foods are available children will not starve. Kids of any age my choose not to eat at times, however they will eventually eat, so assuming a medical condition doesn't require them to eat at certain times don't stress yourself out if your child only managed to eat two grapes today, they most likely will eat tomorrow.
- Food jags are common- toddlers often become obsessed with items that bring them joy. Parents don't often stress when their child whats to wear rain boots everyday, however they do become concerned when that child only wants to eat bananas and cheese. Just as with the boot obsession, this too shall pass. Offer other foods along side those jag favorites and eventually your child will try new or different foods.
As with any phase of life, the toddler years brings about time for, not only the child to grow and develop, but also the parent. Parents must remember that phases and influences that affect life also affect a childs food intake.
Most improtantly parents need to remember that as long as healthy food choices are offered frequently toddlers will consume enough engery to keep them bouncing all over the house and that when we start healthy food habbits from the beginning we can help eliminate family fustration over food situations.
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