While the child may not have the genes that make him a risktaker when it comes to food, some caregivers believe it to be in the child's best interest to use subtle behavioral strategies to expand variety in the child' s diet. It comes down to what the caregivers are comfortable with and the health of the child. Many caregivers take a more casual approach with their children. And there is no evidence that such an approach is harmful to a child. Few young children are great eaters.
Adults also tend to define quantities of food intake in adult terms.
The guiding principle is that we want healthy children who grow at a normal pace. We also want to establish healthy feeding habits, although this is clearly more important to some caregivers than to others. If you want your child to try a greater variety of foods, first be prepared to deal with your frustration. Snack on fruit and other healthy foods and the child may well copy your example. As often as possible, have family sitdown meals.