Is Your Child Part of the 'Finicky Eaters Club'?

Are you worn out from mealtime becoming a battleground? If so, Lifechanger and Parenting Expert Michele Borba says your child must be a member of the “Finicky Eaters Club.” Studies confirm there are ways to help kids be more willing to try their peas and broccoli, and that our wrong responses may even increase their picky eating habits.

Here are a few parenting “don’ts” that might help you reap better results at mealtime.

5 Parenting Tips for Picky Eaters:

Don’t Rush

Some kids -- especially younger ones -- take longer to eat, so make mealtime more leisurely. Let your child chew longer if needed, and give him or her time to eat at his or her own pace.

Don’t Be a Short-Order Cook

Fixing extra, substitute meals only teaches finicky eaters that they don’t need to eat what’s on their plate. So don’t cook individual dishes. Instead, provide a less-favorite food with more popular ones.

Parenting tips for making time-out work.

Don’t Insist They 'Clean the Plate'

Coaxing kids to “eat more” will get you nowhere. Don’t push food, but do encourage the “one bite rule” (you don't have to like it, but try at least one small bite!).

Don’t Give Up!

Studies show that repeated exposure to new foods daily, for 5 to 14 days, is often effective in getting kids to overcome a food aversion. Don’t give up on the food if your kid puts it in the “yuck” category the first time. Instead, choose one new item at a time to introduce.

Parents: Are You Ready to Take a Vow of Yellibacy? Find out!

Don’t Give Too Much

“Shrink” the food serving so it doesn’t appear so daunting: Use smaller portions (even a teaspoon size) served on smaller plates.

If you’re a new parent, try Sexpert Simone Bienne’s 5-step plan to baby-proof your relationship and sex life!

For more life-changing information watch Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers everyday at 3 and 3:30 PM on the CW. Find out what channel it’s on in your area.