Stressful Habit Lead To Stress in Parents Trying to Feed Toddlers Nutritious Meals

Many parents struggle each day trying to get proper nutrients into their toddlers tiny tummies. There are many tips and tricks to help you accomplish this goal. Meal time can be the most stressful and dreaded time of the day. Many times parents are returning from work and kids are coming home from school and after school activities. Everyone is hungry and they all want something different to eat. Obviously you can't cook a different meal for each family member so you need to be creative in preparing meals that are healthy, quick and well liked by everyone. Very few toddlers are not picky eaters. It really is part of their development and learning. Young children are exploring new things each day, often being very active and not wanting to sit still for even a few minutes. This adds to the difficulty of feeding time. Once you understand how your toddler is developing, you can help them to understand what they need to do to eat and feel energized from meal time.

Since you know you don't have much time to waste during a toddlers meal time, you need to be sure to offer nutrient packed foods that they enjoy eating. Finger foods are a favorite for all toddlers. Eating from a spoon or fork is difficult for these tiny hands and underdeveloped coordination. Many fruits and vegetables can be served finger style for you little ones. Carrot sticks, broccoli pieces, and peas are all great finger vegetables. Vegetables should be steamed lightly to soften them and help protect them from choking. Apple slices, banana pieces and peach squares are great fruits that can be served at any meal of the day. Many toddlers don't like having sticky hands, so try to keep the food choices simple and free from excess juices. Fruits that have juices can be rolled in crushed graham crackers, or crushed cereal to avoid sticky fingers. Fruit smoothies are also an excellent way to encourage nutrient rich beverages. Yogurt and milk can be blended with the fruit for an extra serving of dairy. You could also add other nutrient dense ingredients to the smoothie and they will not even know! Cheese sticks are usually a toddlers favorite dairy product.