Encouragement for Moms of Picky Eaters
We can all use some inspiration once in a while! If your child is a picky eater, know this: your worth as a mother is not measured by how much food your child eats.
When others pressure mom to make a child eat more, it can actually HURT the child’s ability to develop healthy eating habits. Why? Because it affects mom’s ability to practice RESPONSIVE FEEDING.
Responsive feeding is based on the child’s appetite and hunger cues. It is the best way to encourage healthy eating habits, and lowers risk of obesity later in life. Read this excellent article from the American Academy of Pediatrics on responsive feeding for babies and toddlers.
Feeding is not just about the intake of food. It is a SOCIAL activity. During meal times, your toddler learns:
✔️language skills
✔️social skills
✔️fine motor skills
✔️self-help skills
✔️autonomy
Force-feeding will interfere with responsive feeding. It will also interfere with learning these important skills. The stress from force-feeding will also turn what should be a happy family activity into a stressful one. So don’t force your child to eat. If you have any concerns about your child’s growth or weight gain, discuss them with your pediatrician.
For more ways to develop these skills during mealtimes and throughout the day, get my FREE guide to 45 easy, no-prep toddler activities.
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Recommended reading: Helping Your Toddler Stay Seated for Meals
