Rather than make every mealtime the setting for a major battle, many parents accommodate their children's preferences, especially as all parents want their children to get some nutrition (if not optimal) as opposed to none at all.Unfortunately, giving in too much can worsen finicky eating. When a child always gets what he wants, parents are transferring too much power to him.

Usually, the child will set more and more limits, and the array of 'acceptable' food becomes increasingly smaller. Needless to say, these kinds of situations should be avoided! However, this doesn't mean parents should force their kids to try new foods. A good approach is about setting the stage and then backing off.

This means regular meals and snacks where parents choose the menu, put out a variety of foods (try to have at least one food that you know your child likes), and then sit back and allow the child take over and make choices.

It is also important to teach a finicky eater to behave appropriately at mealtimes. That means sitting with the family, staying calm in the face of unfamiliar or undesired food, and being able to turn down food politely without whining, bargaining or begging for alternatives. Once kids get to that stage, they are more able to consider trying different foods of their own volition. Still, don't be too expectant of miracles - achieving change is a long-term project.

It's also very important to praise the behaviour you want to see. Picky eaters may be used to getting attention for not eating, which is what you want to put a stop to doing. Instead, pay attention to the behaviour you want to see.

It may help when parents alter their expectations about what healthy eating is. What motivates children to eat is not always the same as what motivates adults. Kids are motivated mainly by taste, and to some extent peer pressure and advertising. Occasionally, you need to compromise about what you put on the menu. One way to meet your children halfway is to let them choose their favourite meal one night a week.

Letting them choose sometimes can help to enhance the idea that food can be enjoyable.

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