How to feed a finicky toddler

Ah dinner time. For some, a welcome whole family catch-up at the end of the day. For others, a bitter fight that ends with frustrated kids and parents.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Be sure to read to the end to find my favorite source of advice on feeding children.

Why is my kid suddenly so picky?

“Picky eating often surfaces around one year—a time when many children are beginning to feed themselves.  They can now choose what and how much to eat, giving them  some degree of control over their lives.” SOURCE

What can I try to save us from mealtime battles?

“Many parents worry about what their children eat — and don’t eat. However, most kids get plenty of variety and nutrition in their diets over the course of a week.” SOURCE

What food should I try feeding my toddler?

“When asked about what to feed a picky eater, I totally drew a blank and thought of all the food Milo routinely dumps on the floor. His pattern was so erratic that just when I thought he was finished with his meal, because he’d tossed half of it on the floor and started asking for either “dow(n)” or “nigh(t) nigh(t),” he’d actually begin eating his meal again with gusto.” SOURCE

What could I be doing that makes eating even more problematic?

“A toddler’s rejection of favorite foods is natural, but could become problematic when you mistakenly assume that it means “I hate this food and I never want to eat it again.” SOURCE

How can I make sure my child gets enough of the right foods?

“Toddlers from one to three years need between 1,000 and 1,300 calories a day, yet they may not eat this amount every day. Aim for a nutritionally-balanced week, not a balanced day.” SOURCE

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Fresh and easy guacamole

Give your child the gift of healthy avocados by making some super fast guacamole.

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Now spice-loving, Mexican-food-purists might get upset. This guacamole contains no spice. Not one little bit. My little boy is pretty sensitive to spicy food and it makes it easy on his whole system to avoid chili peppers.

Feel free to add diced fresh or roasted hatch chiles or jalapeños. You can make a separate chili-free batch just for your little ones or pile it on for spice-loving kids. Around here it’s easier to make just one big batch of guacamole and then add hot sauce on our individual plates.

If you’re worried about the calories in this green fruit, just check out this article talking about the health benefits of avocado.

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