Kids, especially toddlers, are notoriously picky eaters. It can be difficult at times to get them to eat much of anything. They may find one food, like mash potatoes, that they just love and good luck getting them to put anything other than that one food in their mouth. Good nutrition is important for a growing child. It helps with development, weight, activity level, and much more. So what can you do to help your child get more variety and more nutrition in their daily diet?

Here are a few tips and tricks that may help.

• Kids have an innate ability to know how much food their body needs. Let them tell you when they are full; don’t force them to finish everything on their plate if they tell you they are full.

• Enjoy meal time in a relaxed environment. Don’t stress or make a big deal out of your child’s pickiness, or the introduction of a new food to his plate.  They are more likely to try something new if no one is making a big deal about it.

• Serve a variety of healthy choices at each meal, that way your child is more likely to fulfill his nutritional needs even if he just picks a little at everything.

• When introducing new foods do so one at a time. Give your child time to get used to and hopefully enjoy the new item before you introduce another one. Make sure the meal still includes at least one thing your child likes, that way if the new item doesn’t go over well there is still something for her to eat.

• Make sure you are using age appropriate portion sizes. Don’t pile on the serving sizes and expect them to finish everything, or even touch everything. Get an idea of about how much makes your child full and put that size portion on their plate, if they want more they will ask for it.

• Children can be very sensitive to texture, smell, and even color. So if your child claims to dislike something he hasn’t even tried before, it is likely because he doesn’t like the way it looks or smells. Encourage him to try it, but don’t force him.

• Resist the urge to give your child low nutrition, sugary snacks just to get them to eat something. They are more likely to try new things and eat their dinner if they are hungry. Find snacks that have high nutritional value, like their favorite fruit for snack time.

If you are concerned about your child not getting enough to eat or enough nutrition talk to your pediatrician. They may have some great suggestions for you. When it comes to dealing with a picky eater patience and persistence are key.