Parent's often worry about their child not eating a variety of foods, or not eating at all. Many children become picky eaters when they enter toddler hood, and that makes some parents concerned that their child is not eating enough. Parents need not worry because picky eating is a common problem among young children. Parents should be aware that sometimes-young children might have strong sensitive feelings about certain flavors, textures, colors, and consistencies in foods. Why children are picky eaters, what parents can do to encourage their child to eat, and how to get your child to try new foods are very important concerns that parents have.
             Children become picky eaters for many reasons. The main reason is that they are growing rapidly, and their stomachs are smaller. Most children go though phases where they become picky eaters, or they refuse to eat all together. This is not an unusual thing as long as the child is still very healthy. "There is a big difference between a child who refuses to eat, or a child who eats so little they lost weigh, and a child who insists on eating Peanut Butter and Jelly (sandwiches) at every meal!" Refusing to eat is the child's way of asserting their independence, so do not take it personally. Offer choices instead. It is natural for a child to become a picky eater, and as long as they are healthy, there is no need to worry.
             Parent's can do many things to encourage their child to eat, without a battle. Experts first recommend not forcing your child to eat because they are less likely to eat if you do. When your child does eat, do not cheer because it does not encourage them. Also, do not "reward" children (i.e. a promise of dessert if the child cleans their plate), it only reinforces their picky eating. Picky eating is a normal behavior, and research shows that a child must be introduced to a new food eight to ten times before they will try it. "...