Why are toddlers fussy?

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• Toddlers sometimes refuse food to get a reaction or to test their independence.
• Toddlers’ appetites go up and down.
• Toddlers are sometimes too distracted to eat.

If your toddler refuses to eat a food, it doesn't mean he dislikes it (after all, he may not have even tasted it!). He could well be putting on a show of independence to see what you’ll do.

Toddlers learn by testing the boundaries of acceptable behaviour and can be very strong-willed when it comes to making decisions (to eat or not to eat, what to eat) about food. It’s all part of their social, intellectual and emotional development. If you give in to a few demands or preferences, such as cutting crusts off bread, for instance, you will help your toddler feel more in control. You can also let him choose which healthy snack he wants to eat, but try to keep the options limited to two or three different things – otherwise he’ll become confused.

Toddlers are easily distracted. They’re more likely to concentrate on eating if you keep mealtimes focused and calm with minimal distractions. It’s a good idea to turn the TV off, and to talk instead. Even the routine of washing hands or a little quiet time before a meal can settle your toddler down so that he’s more likely to sit still and eat.

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