This very common trait of children who are between the ages of 18 months and 3 years is troubling and frustrating for parents who are concerned their child may not be getting enough to eat. If the child s physical development is within normal range, then parents should recognize their child is not likely to starve and will usually grow just fine. Some children want to feed themselves and their pace and skill level may not meet parent expectations. Some children may eat more than enough food on one day and hardly any the next day. Some children feel overwhelmed by a large quantity of food on their plate.
Some children use the opportunity to assert their independence by refusing to eat.
Parents can also offer their child choices about the foods he or she will eat. It seems like your tummy is full since you stopped eating your cereal, or You re asking for a snack, so your tummy must be hungry. Buy nutritious foods and offer them in a neutral manner. Allow children to feed themselves. Serve small quantities of food.