FEEDING YOUR TODDLER
The basic rule of thumb on feeding your toddler:
You choose what foods he eats.
He chooses how much he eats, and how.
Why? Because each of us is born with inner signals that tell us how much we need to eat. When we override our children's innate knowledge, we handicap them for life, and set them up to be unable to regulate their own eating.
Your goal? To give him a sense of control over his food, which will eliminate power struggles and later eating disorders. At the same time, of course, you want what he eats to be healthy.
Your strategy? Wait as long as possible before introducing sweets. Offer a variety of healthy foods at each meal. Let him feed himself. And if your toddler is anything like mine, use a splat mat, and dunk him in the bath after each meal!
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Photo: Autumn Sproles