Omamas podcast: picky eaters

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on March 19, 2009 at 7:36 AM, updated March 19, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Can your child live on grilled cheese and peanut butter? Then check out our podcast for tips on dealing with the picky eater.

Connie Warner, a longtime dietitian and mom of three, has this advice for parents of picky eaters: forget the dinnertime battles.

Don't sweat it if your preschooler refuses broccoli and lima beans, or if she'd prefer a diet of mostly spaghetti or grilled cheese sandwiches. If she's eating fruit, chances are her nutritional bases are covered.

Warner, who works at Providence Portland Medical Center, sat down with Omamas this week to troubleshoot some of the most common concerns parents have when it comes to getting their kids to eat well.

She gave us her take on a couple of hot topics like:

Is it OK for an 8-year-old to experiment with vegetarianism?
Answer: Yes, as long as the child is getting enough complete proteins - think rice and beans, milk and eggs. And get a good book on vegetarian eating.

Does my kid need a multivitamin?
Answer: Probably not. As long as your kid eats a variety of food, chances are she doesn't need a multivitamin. However, children with certain deficiencies such as iron need iron supplements. And fluoride is important, too, especially since Portland's water isn't fluoridated.

Is it bad to give my kids sweet treats?
Answer: Don't avoid sweets. Make them a part of your life by offering them at special occasions and holidays. Or offer a sweet during snack time once in a while.

How do you know your kid is getting enough vitamin D?
Answer: If your child drinks plenty of milk, which is fortified with vitamin D, chances are he's getting enough of the vitamin. But if you're worried, talk to your pediatrician.

If your little one balks at most veggies, is there one super food you should try to encourage her to eat?
Answer: Nope. Offer a variety of foods during the course of a day, the week and the month. That ensures your child is getting enough of what they need, and that they're being exposed to different flavors and textures.

I want my child to eat what the family is eating for dinner, but sometimes she refuses. Is it OK to make my child a separate meal? I don't want to become a short-order cook but I also want to make sure she eats enough for dinner.
Answer: Don't force your child to eat what the family is having. Instead, be sure to include something your child likes along with the main meal. So if your child enjoys yogurt or cheese, put some on a plate or in a bowl and place it on the dinner table. Then pass them around so everyone can have some.

For more of Warner's advice, check out our podcast below.

Listen here:

Download MP3 here. (8.3 MB)

Got any tips to share with parents of picky eaters? Send them our way.

-- Noelle Crombie and Helen Jung, The Oregonian