Replies to 'Picky Eaters'

Hi there, 

I have a 4 1/2 year old and a child that will be 3 in October. BOTH were EXTREMELY picky until I implmented my "Two Bite Rule". They know that if they take two bites of everything on their plates (MUST be at least 2 bites) if they still think they don't like it then I will get them something else to eat. It must be a healthy choice though, like applesauce or raisins or yogurt. This has gone over extremely well and now we don't have anymore arguments. They eat their two bites - sometimes grudgingly, but the do eat them - and then, more often than not, find out they like what they were scared to try. It's very rarely I have to give them something else anymore. As a matter of fact I made a meal the other nite that I SOOO didn't think my kids would eat. They both took their 2 bites and my 3 year old looked at me and said "This is good Mom!" and my 4 1/2 year old said "Will you make this again?" . That's the ultimate compliment to me! LOL!
So try this and see if this works. It might not - but it's worth a try.  

OH - and if they don't eat their 2 bites then they don't get anything else for the rest of the nite. My doctor has told me they won't starve themselves so I don't worry about. Also, like I said, it's pretty rare that I have to resort to that.  

Good luck!

Hugs, 

Mama3boys