DO you often hear your toddler say: “I don’t want to eat” or “I don’t like the food?” Parents, in turn ask: “How will I deal with my child who is picky eater?” or “How will I encourage my child to eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables?”

A child’s reluctance to try new food is completely normal during development. A child tastes foods differently from an adult -- toddlers being sensitive to color, flavor, texture and temperature of food, size of servings and the attitude and atmosphere in which food is served.

Food habits are formed very early in life. Children should learn to eat a variety of foods while they are still young. Parents should set the example by eating a variety of foods. Remember, children are great imitators and observers.

Typically, a child who is a picky eater is exhibiting the desire to exert control. His/her eating behaviors tend to fluctuate without any reason. At one moment, a child may eat without any struggle; at other times, he/she may be picky about food or may not eat at all.

Here are simple tips that parents can follow to break the habit of picky-eaters:

· Serve family meals that include foods from the Nutritional Guide Pyramid to familiarize the child with a variety of foods needed throughout life.

· Eating regularly helps develop a child’s appetite and prevents meal skipping.

· Limit snacking. Make sure that there is no eating of big snacks after school or filling-up on juice or soda before dinner.

· If your kid dislikes a certain type of food, cut this into bite-size pieces and combine with the child’s favorite food.

· Never force a kid to eat. This will only increase dislike for the food.

· If the kid dislikes veggies, serve these at the early part of the meal when he/she is hungriest.

· Be artistic. Make dishes enticing. Colorful foods presented in different shapes are more appealing to kids.

· Involve the child in planning and preparing meals. This will encourage kids to taste the food they helped prepare.

· Use new recipes every now and then. Kids get bored when they eat the same food prepared the same way every time.

· Food is needed for nutritional health and should not be given as a reward, or kept from the child as punishment.

· A relaxed and sociable atmosphere helps make mealtime pleasant and enjoyable.

According to the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos 2000 developed by the Technical Working Group headed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), you should eat a variety of foods everyday to ensure that all nutrients are provided in proper amounts and represent a balance diet.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact:  Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num:  8372934 and 8373164; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

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(Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso completed her Masters of Science in Community Nutrition at the University of Indonesia in 2000. Ms. Glorioso a nutritionist-dietitian and writer at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).