The Number one thing to remember is that children have small stomachs and so generally have three meals a day plus two snack times as they tend to eat less food but more often.

Some tips to try and get finicky eaters to eat:

Try and have consistency with meal times. That is similar eating and snacking times, sitting in a particular chair and so on. Routine is so important in a childs life. That doesn’t mean that you have to be rigid or fanatical, occasionally a break in routine is healthy but just be prepared for the repercussions. As long as you know there are some then you won’t be disappointed.

Involve them as much as possible. If your finicky eater is the same as most then he or she will look at something and immediately refuse it if it does not look like what they think looks "normal." You will have a better chance of them tasting it if they have had some involvement in the preparation of the meal. They may not eat a lot of it but they will have a go, which is something positive.

To avoid filling up on snacks before dinner time have an early dinner at around 5pm and limit drinks to plain water until after dinner time. This will also prevent them filling up on liquid.

Try to substitute some food within the food groups that your child might like for instance they may not like green beans but like peas. Or try a little smorgasboard of different foods for example, banana, apple, grapes, brocolli, snap peas, wholemeal bread, ham or chicken, cheese and then maybe followed by a yoghurt. He will have a variety and so has something of everything. Just an assortment not too many as that may confuse them.

Try not to bribe them. This is something that most parents will struggle with but it is not good all round and only teaches bad habits.

Meal times should be about eating together as a family. This is where family can discuss their day be a part of each other and the emphasis is then not so much on the food but being together. Being a part of a group is so important to kids.

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