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Picky preschoolers

Think your kids aren’t eating enough? Have faith -- kids will eat if they’re hungry

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Originally published in Today's Parent October 2011

Isabella has a slight build and a modest appetite. At four years old, she doesn’t like the texture of meat and isn’t fond of vegetables or many fruits. “She would live on pasta and cheese, given the choice,” says her mom, Christy Di Lello.

When Di Lello spoke to her paediatrician about Isabella’s diet, the doctor wasn’t worried because the little girl is healthy and active. She encouraged Di Lello to put something new on Isabella’s plate, along with the food she enjoys. Now Isabella is starting to enjoy rice, as well as some fruits.

Feeding preschoolers can be a challenge, acknowledges Montreal dietitian Louise Lambert-Lagacé, the author of Feeding Your Baby the Healthiest Foods. Many are finicky eaters or have a limited repertoire and, as parents, we worry that our children’s nutrition will suffer.

In all likelihood, however, if we offer the best choice of food possible and respect our children’s appetites, they will gradually expand their diets, says Lambert-Lagacé. “Parents should never force the issue, and they should keep in mind that children won’t starve themselves.”

How much should they be eating?

But how much food does the average preschooler need? “The need varies from one child to another, depending on their build and activity level. Boys tend to need a few more calories than girls,” says Lambert-Lagacé. “I don’t recommend that parents calculate calories for young children.” Still, bearing in mind that there is a wide range of normal, the average intake for three- to five-year-olds is 1,200 to 1,300 calories a day, to sustain a growth rate of about five pounds a year.

Rather than counting calories, Lambert-Lagacé stresses the importance of offering a varied and well-balanced diet. One source where parents can find help with this is Canada’s Food Guide, and suggested serving sizes are available on Health Canada’s website, hc-sc.gc.ca.

Lambert-Lagacé offers tips for encouraging preschoolers to eat well:

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