Mealtime can be a daycare provider’s biggest challenge.
Feeding one or two toddlers can be hard enough, but trying to make sure an entire classroom full of them is fed can prove near impossible, especially when dealing with picky eaters.
A day at daycare can be long and tiring for a child, and a toddler or preschooler that refuses to eat can become a hungry and difficult-to-handle child later on in the day.
However, there are several ways that picky eaters can be approached in order to make mealtime more enjoyable for everyone.
Make Mealtime Fun!
Daycare can be stressful for children, especially if they are new to the center.
In addition, most toddlers are just trying to gain a little control of their lives.
Picky eating can be very common in this age group, as they are trying to test limits, gain control, and develop independence, all while transitioning off of breast milk or formula and learning to like new foods.
All of this can be complicated for a young child. For these reasons, it is important to keep mealtime fun and casual.
A child who is feeling stress because they are being forced to eat, or the atmosphere is anxiety-inducing, will not be open to eating.
Children often learn from their peers, and they will be far more receptive to learning and trying new things if they are calm and relaxed.
Let the Children Help Prepare the Food or the Eating Space
While state regulations may limit how much food preparation children can help with, one of the best ways to deal with a picky eater is to take a Montessori approach to meal preparation.
Teach the children to help cut fruit, spread peanut butter, pull grapes off stems, or cut cheese cubes.
Make sure to have child-sized platters and pitchers available to help the children learn to serve themselves.
Finally, allow them to assist with setting the table and cleaning up afterward.
A child may be more willing to try food that he or she has helped to prepare, especially if the child can serve himself or herself.
Offer a Variety of Choices
A variety of choices can be offered whether or not a Montessori approach is followed.
Set up stations that are color-coded for each food group and instruct the child to choose one food from each “color group.”
When a child feels like he or she has a choice, and is given an array of healthy options to choose from, he or she is more likely to eat what is being served.
Serve Small Portions
Finally, if all else fails, keep the portion sizes small, especially with non-preferred foods.
Ultimately, a teacher or caregiver cannot force a child to eat, but smaller portions minimize waste.
In addition, a child may be willing to eat non-preferred food if the serving size is not overwhelming.
A large plate full of non-preferred food is a surefire way to have the child refuse to eat that day.
Dealing with picky eaters can be difficult, but with a little patience and work, every child in your care can learn healthy eating habits, while also making sure that no child is hungry during the day.
Do you have picky eaters in your daycare?
What have you done to help them eat more?
Share your tips in the comments!
