Health Photos
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Many young children go through periods of being fussy eaters and this is a normal part of growing up. Children often want to eat certain foods at a certain time and in a certain way.
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If your child refuses to eat fruits and vegetables, try to make them more tempting or more fun and serve food that is fresh and presented in an attractive way.
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Create a mealtime that is pleasant and relaxed. Give your child the same food you eat.
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Try to find meals that the rest of the family enjoys. Include one or two items that the fussy eater avoids, they may eat the items not knowing they are there.
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Invite a friend of the child who has a large appetite or an adult that the child likes for dinner like an uncle or aunt. Sometimes, a child will eat for someone else without any fuss.
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Do not force the child to eat.
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If your child is playing with his food, quietly remove the plate with no fuss.
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Do not substitute milk for meals because your child should eat a more balanced diet.
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Offer drinks after a meal so that they don't ruin the appetite and you can also offer new foods when you know your child is hungry and more receptive to new tastes.
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Limit snacks and drinks between meals so the child feels hungrier when it comes to meal times.
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Try to serve smaller portions of food to your child.
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Make meal times enjoyable and talk about what the child is doing.
