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Every parent faces concern over children being picky eaters at some point during childhood. It is usually a part of how children avow their independence. They become stubborn and refuse to eat food other than their favorite snacks. Children’s nutrition does not have to be tiring and troublesome. Consider these strategies to avoid struggles and help the picky eater of your family to adopt a balanced diet: 

Start Early: start early to prevent the habit of picky eating preferably before the child turns two. You can start by offering a variety of food, including loads of vegetables and fruits. Don’t cook a separate meal for your child. Let him/her eat what you eat keeping in mind the idea of exploration in the food section.

Introduce your child to the concept of family meals as soon as possible: Eating together highlights the social fabric of eating, rather than the food itself. Avoid all sorts of distractions ( Television, electronic gadgets) during family meals. This will help your child focus on eating.

Bring Recreation to the dining table: This can be done by cutting vegetables in different shapes and serving a variety of brightly colored foods. However, never force your child to eat. 

Include children in meal planning: Try recruiting your child’s help in selecting vegetables, meal planning, and preparation. Try out new recipes together and take them shopping with you. If you’re capable of growing vegetables and spices in your garden, try to entail your child in that, too.

Don’t keep desserts as a reward for it might send the wrong message that dessert is the best food that would further increase your child’s demand for dessert. To ease the process, you could replace dessert with fruits, yogurts, and healthy choices.

Moreover, being patient with your child plays a key role here. And if things do not resolve accordingly, try consulting a doctor for a proper diet chart and treatment that follows.