The Prince is beginning to be a picky eater. When he feels like it. I've heard that a toddler won't starve himself, and I don't want to start the habit of making a new meal when he doesn't like what I'm serving, but I worry that he's getting enough to eat.
Today for lunch The Prince had mashed potatoes with acorn squash and a couple handfuls of small bits of baked sweet potatoes and apples, bananas, and cheerios. But, they didn't really make him happy (until today, sweet potatoes and bananas have been his favorites).
I made myself some scrambeled eggs and potatoes, and sat down to eat while The Prince started his finger foods. Really, just started throwing, squishing, and feeding the dog. He eyed my plate, and said he'd rather have some of that (until today, he has absolutely detested scrambeled eggs).
So, I gave him a bite of eggs. He thought it was great! I decided to use the "every other bite" method, offering him eggs, then sneaking in his lunch. After the third or so bite, he stuck his tongue out to taste it before he accepted it.
Sigh. He has caught on to one of my eating tricks. Isn't he smart?
Sammie, I just finished a maternal and child nutrition class and you're absolutely right! Children up until about the age of 3 will completely (and appropriately) self-regulate their food/fluid intake. Don't stress over it! He will get just what he needs, when he needs it! On that note, to overcome pickiness it takes a minimum of 5 separate feedings of a particular food to overcome something that a child doesn't like (or to acquire a taste for something)- most parents aren't that persistent when there is something their child appears to hate. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, Tiff, thanks! That's just what I needed to hear. Hmmm, I think I usually make it to three or four offers of new foods or different versions. Guess I do need to be more persistent!
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