Klikdokter.com – Around 20% - 50% of parents admit that their children are picky eaters. Picky eater is a condition when a child doesn’t want to eat easily and is very picky when it comes to food.  Today your kid wants carrot puree, but tomorrow they won’t even touch it. This problem often makes parents get a headache. Understanding the Picky Eaters The symptom is very clear; your kids refuse whenever they being fed. Sometimes they shut their mouth, throw up the food, or cry. However, these signals are not always a sign of picky eaters, your kids can be just full or feeling unwell. The reason why your kids become a picky eater will be varied. Maybe because they feel discomfort in the stomach or they got new teeth growing.  You should not worry, As long as they have a normal growth and development. But if you still can’t shake the Thought out of your head, you can consult with the doctor, or try to practice some of these strategies:

• Don’t force it

If the kid refuses to be fed, that means he’s already full, even just after eating a little. Respect what he wants. If you insist to make him eat, food will be his enemy.

• Try various textures

Even a baby may have his favourite food. Some like it soft, some like it in finger shape. Mom should be patient in introducing many of these food’s textures, because they may reject it first.

• Focus

When it’s time to eat, shut the TV down, and don’t combine eating with playing games. Make sure to minimise the distraction when you feed your kids.

• Let them be “messy”

Usually your boy or girl likes to hold the food in his or her hands . It’s okay, you can let them do it. That way, they can learn more about what food they will swallow.

• Patience with new food

Babies often touch and sniff the new food. They will put the food in his mouth and throw it out again. Don’t be panic. That means they need more time to accept and get accustomed to the new food. Ordinarily, it needs 3-4 days before they want to eat the new food.

• Serve it better

Even when they are babies, presentation is also important to boost their appetite. Cut and arrange the food into a unique shapes and bright colours.

• Get them involve

Bring your kids to the market to choose what they like. You can also let them to see the cooking process and get involved in serving the food on the dinner table.

• Show example

If you want your kids to eat healthy food, you should start with yourself to make it a habit. Your kids will always follow you after all. Written by: Dyah Novita Anggraini, MD Member of medical editorial staff Klikdokter.com