Feeding your Preschooler

Feeding a child is a skill that mothers need to learn as soon as the child is able enough to switch from milk to food items. It is the responsibility of the mother to take care of the food items and portions, she must know how much quantity should be fed and at what times. It is important to take notice of child’s interest in what they prefer to eat happily, as taste buds play a huge role in the choice of food. If the food is not toothsome, the child may not show interest in its consumption.

Children are more conscious of their hunger needs and you need to learn to trust them in this regard. If you force them to eat more or regulate them when they feel hungry, it will lead to a bad relationship with food. The key to feeding your child is simple and easy to follow as long as you are willing to feed them nutritious food to them, all you need to do is to follow their lead and get aware of their interests.

Considering the choices of your child, prepare a meal plan containing enough variety of foods which includes grains, fruits, veggies, meat, poultry, eggs, proteins, irons, nuts, fats, and dairy products.

Add at least 3 meals per day to your meal plan in a set time, you can also add one or two snack meals other than the main 3 meals.

Avoid giving any other food or beverages except the meal or snack time, instead, give water as much as possible to keep your child hydrated.

Be good company to your child, and sit and eat with him rather than just feeding him. When you will eat with the child it will make the child more comfortable.

Let your child choose what he wants to eat from the variety of food at specific times, and serve at least 3 different options every time including dessert.

Allow your child to serve himself and eat his way, either he wants much or less or he eats fast or slow, or he chooses to eat dessert first. Let him enjoy the meal as he likes it.

Let him decide to have more of any food if he willingly wants to fill his plate again. Give him space to eat according to his appetite.

Try to be considerate and prepare a family-friendly meal plan which involves everyone and no one feels left out.

Make mealtime a happy, friendly, regular, and social family occasion, and involve your child to sit together and enjoy the meal with the whole family. It will help them to develop a positive and strong relationship with the family as well as their interest in eating while seeing everyone enjoying the meal.