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Limited Eaters: Survival Tips for Parents

Time was, your infant ate with little encouragement from you. Your two-year-old is a different matter, however. You find yourself cajoling, begging, and playing games to interest your son in food. You become locked in a battle of wills, and before you know it, you've branded your child a picky eater for his lack of interest in food.

Early Thinking Skills

By Eric Jensen

Setting the Table

 
Materials

• Plates
• Silverware
• Napkins
• Glasses

Directions

Adults and college students aren’t the only ones experiencing burn out. Teens today are just as stressed as those in older generations, and may not be as equipped to deal with the fall out of taking on too much because of the stage they are at in life. In a 2014 study conducted by the American Psychological Association, 31% of teens reported feeling overwhelmed as a result of stress, while 30% reported feeling depressed or sad. 

Alphabet Cookies

Time

• 30 to 45 minutes

Materials

• Rolling pin
• Alphabet cookie cutters
• Cookie dough

Directions

Work together to help prepare some homemade or purchased cookie dough, rolling it thin so you can each cut out the letters from your names. Include the names or initials of friends and family members to give as gifts.

Extensions

When I brought my first son home, my husband and I were totally freaked out about how much and how often to formula feed. Our little guy was only eating about an ounce at the time. We were convinced he wasn't eating enough and that would lead to dire consequences. We even had an Excel spreadsheet to track his intake.

Little did we know that he was doing just fine for a newborn. 

Modeling healthy eating

Do you have a picky eater on your hands? Reading books about food together can help inspire a love of foods and eating in your child, and even get them on the right track of healthy eating. Luckily, you can find dozens of amazing books from some of your favorite authors (and new ones, too!) to share your love of healthy eating with your child. Here are seven of the best children's books about food (especially for picky eaters, ages two through eight):

More:8 Fun Food Activities for Kids

Shrunken Apple Head

Materials

• Large red apple
• Piece of string
• Large darning needle
• Button
• Vegetable peeler

Starting Your Breastfed Baby on Solid Foods

Picky Eaters: Born or Made?

To Eat or Not to Eat? That Is the Question
Once upon a time there lived a storybook badger named Frances, who would only eat bread and jam. Bread and jam for breakfast, bread and jam for lunch, bread and jam for supper. Her mother triedto interest her in eggs, sunny-side up, or a delicious plate of spaghetti and meatballs, all to no avail.Finally, Frances' mom gave up and gave in, serving only bread and jam to her fussy child until one day even Frances was forced to admit that there can indeed be too much of a good thing.

Whenever I get ready to take my son out to dinner, there are two things I make sure of. One is that he has a small toy or two to carry, and the other is that my phone is charged. Because I know that at some point during the meal, I’m going to hand him the phone to keep him occupied. And you know what? I’m not even a little bit ashamed. 

As with any holiday, your child’s first Halloween is almost like a rite of passage. What could be cuter than a tiny little baby in an adorable costume? It is the perfect picture opportunity and excuse to show your precious little one off to the neighbors. Of course you want to document this milestone and begin making memories, but is it ok to take your baby trick or treating?

More: 8 Things Your Newborn Will Do That Might Surprise You

Turn-Off Tips from TV-Free Kids

Enjoy this interview with two kids who don't watch TV. They're creative, bright, articulate, and curious about the world around them. Coincidence? Or cause and effect?

At the time of the interview, Lucy was 12 and in sixth grade. Her sister Maddie was 8 and in second grade.

Why do you think kids watch so much TV?

Lucy: They think there's nothing else to do.

The Stress of Being Gifted and Talented

Symptoms of overwhelming stress

Kids Say the Funniest Things!

"In church, my two-year-old and I were sitting toward the front, close to the Christmas tree. The tree was decorated with Chrismons, symbolic of the Christmas story. Katie noticed a golden curved M, which represented Mary. In her best child's voice she pointed out to me, 'Look Mommy, burgers and fries!' (Mistaking it for the golden arches!)"