It is not uncommon for a child to suddenly stop eating their favourite food and want something completely different. Some children are reluctant to try new food, preferring to stick to the same dish or two that satisfies them. Eventually, these habits are outgrown and normal eating patterns resume.
If the child is a toddler, then the fussiness can be part of their self-assertion strategy. From the age of 24 months, children will want to make their own decisions and counter anything that they are told to do. Mealtimes are another battleground of wills for them. There is little cause for concern though. If your child is steadily gaining weight and growing in height and does not display any signs of malnutrition, the behaviour can be endured, without too much fuss from the parent. Even children who are selective eaters will consume enough food and nutrients to be quite healthy.
What parents have to make sure of is that they are offering a selection of healthy food to their children. It doesn't help if children are picky over real food and get to eat junk food like crisps and chocolates instead.
If the child is a toddler, then the fussiness can be part of their self-assertion strategy. From the age of 24 months, children will want to make their own decisions and counter anything that they are told to do. Mealtimes are another battleground of wills for them. There is little cause for concern though. If your child is steadily gaining weight and growing in height and does not display any signs of malnutrition, the behaviour can be endured, without too much fuss from the parent. Even children who are selective eaters will consume enough food and nutrients to be quite healthy.
What parents have to make sure of is that they are offering a selection of healthy food to their children. It doesn't help if children are picky over real food and get to eat junk food like crisps and chocolates instead.
