Toddler Only Wants Cereal

My 2 1/2 year old was once a great eater, but now wants to eat only cereal - plain Cheerios to be exact. He won't eat any dinner but complains he's hungry before bed, so I let him have some cereal. How do I break the cycle?

Food jags, or when a child will only eat one food item at a time, is a common behavior in early childhood. It usually represents a way for children to show growing independence and is a normal part of their development. It may also indicate a fear of trying new foods, which is also normal in children. Once the child is focused on a particular food, it may be hard to get them to try other foods. Hang tight. Most children eventually get over their food jags.

Here are some strategies to consider when dealing with a picky eater:

• Continuously offer the child a variety of food choices even if they insist on eating a particular food. Often times it takes 8-10 times before a child accepts a new food. Provide praise when a child tries a new food.
• Establish regular meal and snack times. Young children benefit from routines. If your child wants to eat during non-scheduled times, be firm and reassure them that they will be able to eat at the next mealtime.
• Encourage other family members to set good examples by eating a variety of healthy foods.
• Prepare meals with interesting colors and textures that might motivate the child to try other foods.
• Sometimes keeping a food journal can be helpful in understanding a child's eating habits.

If children are otherwise healthy and developing well, they will eventually eat enough if offered a variety of nutritious foods. Your child may eat very little at one meal and make up for it at another meal or snack. It is perfectly safe if he does not eat much or at all for a couple of meals. Avoid food battles or forced feeding as this could result in long term negative consequences on your relationship with your child. Keep meal and snack times positive and social. Your child's pediatrician will monitor his weight and growth closely at his regular checkup visits and can counsel you if he is getting adequate nutrition.