Editor's Note: Recently, the media has put a great deal of attention on the food that children eat.  From news reports to television shows, you can't help put see it everywhere.  However, if you're the parent of a "picky" eater, you may feel overwhelmed because your child wants nothing to do with these foods.  It is for all of those parents, that we've invited Carolyn Vaughn, RD, LDN, a clinical nutritionist at Le Bonheur Children's, to share some advice for parents with picky eaters.

by Carolyn Vaughn, RD, LDN
Clinical Nutritionist

Pickiness begins at an early age and many times is a problem that can be avoided.  It is true that there are a few kids who are naturally extra-sensitive to textures and tastes, but the picky behaviors will not necessarily last forever.  You, as a parent, can play a large role in your child’s willingness to try and like new food. 

To avoid the picky behaviors, make sure you get off to the right start.  As they get older it is important to give your child the “want to’s.”  What I mean by that is that people who do not like a variety of foods are generally those who don’t want to like a variety.  

So, how do you give your child the “want to’s”?  This starts even in infancy.  Present food to babies and young children in a non-threatening way.  Let them direct how much or even if they eat.  Put a little taste on the lips of babies and let him bring it in his mouth.  If he decides he doesn’t want more, just try again later. 

You might be pleasantly surprised to find that babies learn to like new foods after just a few tries.  Sometimes it is more about texture than taste.   Just be patient, presenting the food in a variety of ways, realizing it could take up to 10-12 exposures to a food before a child might learn to like it. 

In tomorrow’s post, we’ll look at a look at strategies to help get your child to try new foods.

About the author:  Carolyn Vaughn has worked at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center as a clinical nutritionist for 15 years and is passionate about preventative nutritional care in children.  Prior to working at Le Bonheur Children's, she worked at Baptist Memorial Hospital's HeathPlex Nutrition Center providing nutritional counseling for adults and children and conducting weight management classes.  She is a mother of two children ages 3 and 8 who love to eat and eat well.