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Challenge
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Your Child's Perspective
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What You Can Do
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| Introducing new foods |
Child is curious but may be distrustful of the unknown |
- Introduce one new food at a time
- Offer a small amount
- Mix with food the child likes
- Allow time
- Don’t make an issue of it
- Offer it again in a few days
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| Dislikes food offered |
Child asserts independence by rejecting something which does not appeal Or, child may not like the taste |
- Don’t make an issue of it
- Combine food with other favorites
- Offer small servings
- Prepare food in different ways
- Serve fruit and vegetables raw
- Use milk in other dishes
- Set a good example
- Children are entitled to dislikes
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| Refuses to eat |
Child may be asserting independence or may lack appetite for some reason |
- Remove food after a given timeframe (ie, 10-15 min) and wait until next meal
- No bribes or punishment
- If the child is ill, call physician
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| Dawdling or playing |
Child may not be hungry or may want to attract attention |
- Allow a set time, for eating
- Offer assistance with eating if needed
- Remove food and wait until next meal
- Don’t make an issue of it
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| Food jags> |
A food or combination appeals and the child wants it often |
- If the foods are nutritious, allow the child to eat the same foods often
- Jags usually don’t last long
- Don’t make an issue of it
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