Two-Year Old's Picky Eating

[ironkitten]

I've known many two-year olds and this is the time when they are truly picky eaters.  Every parent I know struggles to understand their 2-year old's dietary needs.  As parents, we want our children to be healthy and up to this point we have had the say as to what our babies require in the form of food.  We've stayed up for many hours ensuring that our babies drink their milk, no matter what form we've chosen.  Maybe we've breast-fed our babies and are a bit upset over the "bonding" we've come to know as one of the greatest gifts we could give our baby and now, our babies don't want those foods we give them.  We, the parents are feeling rejected.  Now, our baby is growing up and is about to embark into the real world with more zest and vigor than we've known up to this point.  We are confused parents.

Congratulations!  Your baby has graduated to Toddlerhood.  Your toddler is becoming his or her own person.  They are learning so many things as they test their parent's understanding of who they are.  This is a huge period of growth for them and for you.  Not only are they testing you, but they are learning about themselves.  They are beginning to make choices.  Toddlers are learning their parent's limits and those limits are being tested.  Toddlers are enjoying this new-found "independence" and the power that goes with that independence of thought.  Toddlers are learning how to manipulate Mommy and/or Daddy and they are beginning to understand their parents responses OR reactions (how does the parent act or react to the toddler's demands??).  The toddler is learning about YOU.

The real question each parent faces is this:  "Is my child getting the proper nutrients to grow and thrive?"  Your toddler is realizing that there is a certain enjoyment in observing their parent's behavior.  "Ahh, the simple joys of life!  "I am my own person," is the toddler's delight.  The answer to the question of nutrition is simple:  "As long as I, the parent, continue to learn about proper nutrition, then I will offer proper choices for my child."   Yes, this is the time of growth for both parent and toddler.  Life demands people make choices in their lives and your toddler is learning this rather quickly.   The parent's attitude is important, as well as the parent's ability to be educated.

Meat is a protein.  Toddlers don't always enjoy the texture or taste of meats (or other foods).  If there is too much or not enough taste to the meat, toddlers aren't always happy with meat at this age (or with other foods).  Make sure you know what other foods can provide protein.  Legumes, beans, nuts, animal milk such as cow's milk, and soy products will supply enough protein for your child to thrive.  A healthy and well-balanced diet that we long for to be healthy children and adults is important, but the toddler knows nothing of this.  As a concerned parent, we can discuss this with our pediatrician and we can read and research this with books or the internet. 

Here's where the problems come in.  Your toddler is enjoying certain foods and refuses to try other things.  This is okay.  Often times our toddlers only want specific foods.  As adults, we want our children to eat a variety of foods, but our toddlers only want certain foods.  Some children only like one or two items.  The parent worries.  If the parent doesn't create a fuss at this time, our toddlers will soon grow out of this stage.  New foods can be attempted, but don't be discouraged if your toddler ONLY eats a few food items.  It can drive us, the parent(s) crazy to prepare the same foods day after day!  Relax.  Allow your child to make their choice and usually they will grow out of it.  The toddler will watch Mommy and/or Daddy eat a variety of foods.  Sooner or later their curiosity is aroused, they will begin to ask to taste or have your food(s).

The ability to know what they, the child enjoys is so important in their world and yours.  Allow your child to be picky; it probably won't last for long.  Offer a variety of foods, but don't demand that they eat those items.  Enjoy a loving relationship now, and in the future both you and your child will have a wonderful relationship.

[crystalhuskey]

Jun. 23, 2010 at 9:46 AM

My 2 year old likes cheese.  That's about it.  She'll eat spaghetti and fruit.  Everything else is a battle.  I sneak in veggies in macncheese, and give her v8 to drink, and the rice that has servings of vegetables.  But it's tricky!

[IraqiVetWife]

Jan. 15, 2011 at 2:10 PM

My child haas a healthy appetite, never refuses anything good for him, we eat organic.