Getting a 5 year old to eat healthy

Janet - posted on 04/11/2010

Try to not make it a "power struggle". I agree with trying to introduce a little bit at a time. Make the new food interesting looking (i.e. shape it into a smiley face, take green beans and spell her name, or a letter of her name). Anything to make it "fun". Casually mention how good it is when you are eating it. Have you heard of the book Bread and Jam for Frances which is about a picky eater (age 4 to 8), might be helpful to read together. See it under the Preschool to Grade 2 section http://www.cjkidz.com/Books.html When kids see their favorite character do something, it makes them want to also!

Joleen - posted on 03/28/2010

My son, now 6, has always been a "selective" eater. So, I feel your pain. Well-intended family members try to give advice about making him try everything, making him sit at the table until he eats eats it, etc. Family cook-outs are very difficult b/c it is all casseroles and meats...two things he doesn't care for.

When I look at what he does eat: whole grain cereals, oatmeal, whole wheat breads, milk, yogurt, cheese, all fruits and most veggies, I am very happy. How can I complain that he wants greenbeans instead of greenbean casserole, or plain corn instead of cheesy corn casserole, or noodles and red sauce instead of goulash? While no one else in our family is a vegetarian, plenty of people choose this. So, I focus on what he will eat that is healthy. He gets to pick out yogurt flavors, healthy cereal, and fresh produce at the grocery store. At meal times, he eats as close to what we are eating as possible...on taco night he will have bean tacos while we have beef and beans, on spagetti night, I set aside some red sauce for him while we all have meat sauce. And, if there is no easy similar meal, he can make himself a PB&J sandwich.

So, my best advice is to let her make a shopping list, select healthy foods that she will eat, and let her prepare some of her own meals...even if it is PB&J and an apple or a yogurt and toast. Take the fight out of mealtime and give her some power back. Good luck to you and your daughter :)

PS Keep offering the green veggies, even if she doesn't eat them. She should see them on her plate. And, there is nothing wrong with a little ranch dip to make it fun; kiddos love to dip their food.

Tara - posted on 03/24/2010

Also do you sit down as a family and eat. If not do try at least once or twice a week this also helps if you are all eating the same and together. xx

Tara - posted on 03/24/2010

Good luck Holly. They are sent to test us arent they. Firstly before you frantically worry unneccessarily, is she, fit, healthy, active, bright, doing well at school, thriving etc. If yes to these questions then ask yourself, are you or her dad particularly slim, or grandparents. It could be genetic. My two boys are complete opposite size wise, my oldest (11) is skin and bones and eats what he likes, Like me. My youngest (8) eats fruit and veg and lovely meals and is solid (not fat) but like his dad. Then start panicking over her eating habits. You need a plan, and you need to explain this plan to your daughter and making it quite clear that you will not back down. Have set meals for the day and if she refuses, she goes without. Believe me, she will eat when hungry enough. Secondly, dont show her you are stressed or worried as she is then getting your undivided attention. However if she tries it(even if a little) praise her. Only introduce one new food per meal E.G one new veg, one new meat, pasta, rice. I hope this helps and that you can settle in to a routine. This method has worked for many parents I have advised over the years. Remember do not beat yourself up if it doesnt. Just revise and come up with a different approach, YOU WILL GET THERE IN THE END. X