However, the child is not helped by the caregiver being either too rigid or too accommodating. Also, children cannot be forced to eat foods they do not want. Food preferences develop as a child is exposed to new foods in a calm, nonthreatening environment. When a child sits down to eat, the caregiver needs to step back and allow the child to be in control of what he or she eats. This will help the child to develop healthy eating behaviors.
Caregivers still have control over which foods they offer a child.
They should continue to offer a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid. This will allow the child to make food choices from what is available. It does not do any harm to offer children their favorite foods, as long as other foods are offered as well to encourage variety. After a while, the child will become bored with the same food and begin choosing other items offered. Preschool children will usually meet all of their nutritional needs over several days.