Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding 2- and 3-Year Olds

by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., author of Feeding: The Brazelton Way

Q: My toddler is so pokey when it comes to eating. I don't know whether he's just being negative or not. When do I stop the meal and put him down?
A: Let a pokey eater poke. Plan to have other things to do to distract yourself. If necessary, set a time limit and put him down after you've reached it. Next time, he may be more motivated to eat.

Q: My toddler won't eat any green foods one week, and then the next, he won't eat any yellow ones. Should I worry about his pickiness?
A: No. He's testing his ability to make choices. You may have trouble keeping up with his choice making but don't get too excited about it. He probably enjoys the experience of leading you around by the nose. I suggest that you present him with a limited choice of healthy foods at each meal and snack, including some that you know he's likely to eat. Then the choice is his. If he rejects them all, calmly let him know that "this is what we're having for supper today. If there isn't anything on the table that interests you, then maybe you'll like what we're having tomorrow better." It should be clear that there is no punishment involved. Instead, mealtimes are a chance to be together and make choices from the foods that are offered. Period. Don't jump up and cater to his requests, unless you want him to become accustomed to ordering you around.

Excerpted from:

Excerpted from Feeding: The Brazelton Way © 2004 by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., and Joshua D. Sparrow, M.D. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Perseus.

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