Teaching Toddlers About Food

Most two year olds are typical toddlers. They have unpredictable behavior patterns, "the terrible twos". During this growing period the foods they choose to eat can change from one minute to the next. So how do we teach them about healthy eating at such a young age?

For a normal healthy child one to two years old, there is a general pattern of development that occurs.

1 to ½ years of age:

1. They can grasp and release foods with their fingers.

2. They will be able to hold a spoon, even though they will not be able to use it very well.

3. They can us a small cup, but are not agile enough to pick it up and let it go very well.

4. They will want to eat foods that they see others eating. This is a good time to introduce new foods to them.

½ to 2 years of age:

1. They eat less food than babies and children 2 years and up.

2. They like to eat with their hands.

3. They have their favorite foods, and will insist on having those foods over and over.

4. They do become easily distracted. It is a world of learning and wonderment.

2 years of age:

1. They can hold a cup more readily.

2. They can chew a wider variety of foods.

3. They have developed preference for certain types of foods.

You are very apt to find yourself struggling with your child over food. This is a normal occurrence, which tests many parents' patience levels. Just remember to stay patient and understanding during this time. They will have a tendency to make quite a mess as they are learning to feed themselves. Plus they will be attempting to become more independent by trying to make their own decisions about the foods they want to eat. Meal and snack times should be served at regular intervals each day, but allow you some flexibility.

If you find that you are struggling with your child over food, remember your reactions and actions will control the outcome of the struggle. Just keep in mind that you are trying to serve your child the healthiest foods possible and are trying to instill good food choices for now and in the future.

Helpful Tips:

1. Serve meals on your child's favorite plate, bowl, cup, and eating utensils.

2. Stay relaxed, patient, and understanding.

3. Continue to offer new foods even if they reject it over and over. Repetition is a good learning tool.

4. Try to create a pleasant, quite, relaxed mealtime. This is a good time for teaching and learning.

Toddlers can head strong and temper tantrums may ensue. But remember never use food as punishment or as reward. Assess the situation. Make calm decisions. A healthy toddler, who is experiencing growing pains, will not go without food for long. They may not consume all of three meals a day, but between snack time and balanced meals throughout the day they will consume enough to keep them healthy.

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