{"id":133,"date":"2015-07-08T13:49:30","date_gmt":"2015-07-08T17:49:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parenttraining.chip.uconn.edu\/?page_id=133"},"modified":"2025-09-29T21:06:23","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T01:06:23","slug":"picky-eating-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/parenttraining.chip.uconn.edu\/index.php\/picky-eating-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Picky Eating"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this module we will give you an overview of picky eating, a common problem in young children. We will then review a variety of suggestions for how you can improve your child\u2019s diet and eating habits, increasing the child\u2019s tolerance for a greater variety of healthy foods. For this module, start with Picky Eating in Young Children,<\/em><\/strong> found below. Then, work your way through each of these sections in the order listed. When you reach the end of each module, you will find a link to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Is Picky Eating A More Serious Problem? <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Maintains Problem Behavior Involving Picky Eating? <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep A Food Diary <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selecting and Introducing New Foods <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Program To Increase Your Child’s Food Repertoire<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eat Two Types Of Food For A Reinforcer <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make A Food Picture Book Or Poster<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stuffing <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Module 7 Picky Eating Quiz <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Picky Eating in Young Children<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many young children are very picky and fussy about what they\u2019re willing to eat. This can be perfectly normal and expected. So first we want to talk about what we might call normal picky eating. Picky eating is usually worst between ages one and five years. However, for some children, it may not really get much better until many years later when they get those big teenage appetites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many young children have strong preferences for certain kinds of foods. They may strongly resist trying new foods, especially those that are not like any of the foods they\u2019re used to. They may push food around on the plate and refuse to open their mouths for the food. Or, when encouraged to eat new foods or foods they don\u2019t like, they may throw the food on the floor, give the food to the dog under the table, or whine and cry. Most of the time, although not always, children resist meat and vegetables, which can be tough to chew or have a bitter or strong flavor. Many children in the US like spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, pizza, chips, ice cream, or candy. Children tend to like whatever bland, starchy, salty, or sweet food is served in their culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most picky eaters still get enough calories, and most get an OK balance of the nutrients they need. This is true if they refuse vegetables but eat fruit instead and refuse meat but accept milk, cheese, and yogurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few simple things you can do to make foods more acceptable to young children are:<\/strong>