Picking eating is a common issue in children, affecting 14% to 50% of preschool-age kids. And while most children will soon outgrow this habit, many still retain it — found in 7% to 27% of older kids.
Studies suggest that picky eating is caused by early feeding difficulties, late introduction of lumpy foods, and protective factors during development. You might notice your child refusing anything but burgers and chicken nuggets, so here are a few things you can do:
- Don’t force your child to eat
If your little one refuses to eat their vegetables, don’t force them to finish their plate and get mad. Instead, try to respect the child’s appetite. Forcing will only discourage them from eating what’s on the table, possibly associating mealtime with anxiety and frustration.
- Be patient and creative
We get it — dealing with a picky eater is troublesome. However, patience is the key to improving your child’s eating habits. Young children will require some time to get used to unfamiliar food, so repeated exposure to broccoli and lettuce can help them become acquainted with the texture and taste.
In addition, try to be creative with their meals. For example, you can add chopped vegetables to spaghetti sauce, make cereal healthier with fruit slices, and serve an assortment of colourful foods.
- Set a good example
If you eat nothing but pizza and chicken for dinner, your child will likely follow suit. Because of this, you must show them that you love eating healthy food.
Things will become easier once your child starts attending the best CBSE schools in Coimbatore. These institutions offer healthy and well-balanced meals at the cafeteria, encouraging your child to eat nutritiously.
Moreover, the best schools in Coimbatore will teach students the importance of maintaining their health, and slowly but surely, your child will start looking for nutritious food themselves.
Searching for the best CBSE schools in Coimbatore? Consider looking for institutions offering world-class facilities for the overall development of each student! In addition, the best schools in Coimbatore feature a rigorous academic programme, qualified teachers, and a project-based teaching approach.