The only way to make sure your toddler is eating right is to strike a balance between what he is eating and what he should be eating. This toddler feeding guide will help you figure out what foods you should feed your toddler every day.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are very essential to your toddler’s diet. These are packed with fiber, vitamin E and magnesium which can help reduce your toddler’s risk of asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Toddlers need approximately 6 servings of whole grains per day. Serve your toddler bread, cereal, crackers, oatmeal, rice, muffins and pasta. These foods are very versatile since you can toast, spread sandwich filling, serve and mix them with other food.

Dairy Products

Dairy foods are packed with calcium and protein which are very important for the development of strong bones and teeth. The recommended intake is 4 servings per day. This could be a glass of whole-milk (at least 500 to 800 milligrams), soy milk, cereal, low-fat yogurt, fortified fruit juice, pudding and cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or string cheese).

Fruits

Fruits are the perfect healthy snack. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals that are essential to a child’s health. Give your toddler ½ cup diced fruit or ½ of a medium piece of fruit each day. Apple, banana, blueberries, cantaloupe, orange, seedless grapes, strawberries and watermelon are easy for a toddler to consume.

Vegetables

Vegetables are probably the most complicated food to serve to children. However, vegetables are a must in every individual’s diet because they are rich in nutrition and contain unique disease-preventing elements. To make vegetables more appetizing for your little one, choose small cooked veggies (e.g. lima beans, peas, corn) and slice boiled carrots, squash, spinach, eggplant, sweet potatoes and broccoli into bite-sized pieces. You can also serve these with your toddler’s favorite dip or add them to soups and pastas to ensure he gets 5 portions of veggies a day.

Protein-rich Foods

Protein contain nutrients such as vitamin B, iron and zinc that helps build and restore tissues in the body that children need to grow. Toddlers need about 2 servings of protein every day. Fish like cod, tuna, sardines and white salmon, meat, chicken, turkey, beef, tofu, beans, hummus and shrimps are the best sources of proteins.

Healthy Fats

Children need fats in their diets to be healthy. Healthy fats supply vitamin E, zinc and nutrients that are necessary for brain growth and formation of hormones. The key is to know which fats are good and bad. Saturated and trans fats are “bad fats” because they increase cholesterol and weaken the immune system. Monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats are “good fats” since they are good for the heart and one’s overall health. Foods that contain “good fats” include nuts (peanuts, pecans, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds), pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds, tofu, avocado, peanut butter, olives and fatty fish (e.g. tuna, salmon and mackerel). The suggested daily intake of healthy fats for toddlers is 2 servings.

Keep in mind that this is just a guideline. Not everything on your toddler’s plate has to be a “super food”. As long as you offer a couple of servings of these foods every day, your child is guaranteed to get the nutrients he needs to be healthy and strong.

Introducing solid foods to your toddler is an exciting adventure. Your child is exposed to a variety of food, encouraging him to eat more which is beneficial for his nutrition. However, the following foods for toddlers can jeopardize his safety.

Hard Candies and Gums

Hard candies, chewing gums, gummy bears, fruit roll ups, caramels, jelly beans and even marshmallows are very dangerous to toddlers. They have a tendency to slip down your toddler’s throat easily and get lodged there. Also, since candies and gums are not good for your toddler’s teeth and health, these items should be avoided entirely.

Popcorn

Everyone loves munching on popcorn, especially children. However, this food is a popular choking hazard. The size, shape and texture of popcorn make it a very easy food to choke on. Plus, unpopped seeds also increase the choking risk and even if seeds are too tiny to choke on, they can still get wedged in your toddler’s airway and lead to an infection. Save this food when your toddler is older. But if you must offer popcorn, make sure you keep a close eye on your child.

Hotdog

Hotdog is probably one of the most coveted foods of children. But did you know hotdogs are also very unsafe? Not only does hotdog contain very minimal nutrients, but the roundness of a hotdog makes it easy to get stuck in your toddler’s windpipe and since it is squashy, it can adapt to the shape of the airway making it hard to remove. To reduce the risk, cut a hotdog lengthwise and then slice them into small pieces (noodle-like strips).

Nuts

According to child health experts, toddlers ages 1 to 4 should avoid eating nuts. Nuts are hard and tiny, making them hard to chew with baby teeth and they can glide down whole and get jammed in your toddler’s throat.

Apples and Grapes

Sure, fruits contain plenty of vitamins and minerals toddlers need. But, certain fruits with seeds such as apples and grapes pose a choking risk to toddlers. Why? Because the dry and hard texture of apples and the tiny shape of grapes can easily get caught in the narrowest area of a toddler’s throat. Make sure you extract the seeds, peel and slice apples and grapes into small pieces or mash them.

Carrots

Carrots are healthy but they also pose a suffocation risk because of their firm and dry shape and texture, making them very hard to chew. Hence, it is very important that you puree them or slice carrots into thin strips before serving.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is very difficult to ingest, even adults have a hard time swallowing it. Thus, give your toddler just a few servings of peanut butter as possible (spread a thin layer on bread or crackers) and make sure you give him something to drink.

Remember that toddlers are more exposed to choking hazards, hence, being cautious is a must and safe eating practices should be observed. Always serve small servings. Teach your toddler to sit while he is eating, to eat slowly and swallow before opening his mouth.

Keeping your toddler in tiptop shape includes managing what your toddler eats. However, there are certain toddler feeding blunders parents make. Here is how you can avoid them.

Mistake # 1: Setting A Bad Example

The most common mistake parents make when it comes to feeding their children is setting a bad example. If you do not eat well yourself, how can you expect your toddler to do the same? Eat a lot of nutritious foods in front of your toddler. If you say no eating of chocolates before dinnertime, do not sneak out and grab a bar. When your toddler sees you enjoy fruits and vegetables, he will more likely have a healthy attitude towards eating right.

Mistake # 2: Force Feeding

If you pressure your toddler to eat a certain food, you create a power struggle which will only upset the two of you and make him feel he has no freedom. Remember, children do not accept new foods right away. They need time, so try not to make a big fuss when your toddler refuses the food you offered. Serve him foods you know he will like and just try again after a couple of days.

Mistake # 3: Short-order Cooking

Do not serve your toddler a different dish just because he is a picky eater as this will only increase the bad habit. Offer your toddler the same food you prepared for the family but give him choices. For instance, if you are having sandwich for breakfast, have him choose between peanut butter and jelly or tuna filling. If you are having vegetables for dinner, make sure there is at least one item your toddler will enjoy. Hide vegetables in food (e.g. broccoli mac and cheese, puree vegetables and mix them in dips or sneak them into soups or meat).

Mistake # 4: The Clean Your Plate Rule

Asking your toddler to finish his food will only result to overeating and make him uncomfortable with food. Serve your little one child-size portions so he is more encouraged to eat. Also, if he stops eating because he is full, let him leave the dining table.

Mistake # 5: Giving Up Too Fast

Just because your toddler did not like green beans once does not mean he will never like it again. According to pediatricians, it takes about 10 to 15 tries before a toddler accepts new food. Let him watch you eat it. Place a few servings on his plate. Have him touch it, put it in his mouth and let him spit it into a napkin - eventually he will accept it.

Mistake # 6: Depriving Sweets

Minimizing your toddler’s sweet and sugar intake is fine, but completely eliminating them to his diet is not okay. Children love sweets and the more they are deprived, the more likely they will overeat them. Plan balanced snacks. Allow him to eat dessert after dinner. Try healthier dessert alternatives such as low-fat pudding or yogurt or strawberries with whipped cream.

The secret to avoiding these mistakes so you can provide your toddler a nutritious diet is to strike a balance between controlling his foods and giving him some freedom of choice.

A healthy diet is essential for children, especially those who go to school. However, it can be overwhelming to figure out what snack to prepare for your toddler every day. But, with a little creativity, any parent can pack a healthy snack for kids lunchbox without the fuss.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are a classic, filling and nutritious option for a toddler’s lunchbox. Instead of using white bread, use brown bread (either whole wheat or multi-grained), soft tortillas for wraps or pita pockets. You can try different sandwich fillings. Peanut butter, jelly, cheese, cubed chicken, corn, bacon, ham, thin slices of roast beef or turkey, tuna and grilled vegetables should do the trick. Toast the bread, remove the crusts and make mini sandwich shapes for a fun, bite size snack to eat.

Fruits

Fruits are an ideal way to add sweetness to your toddler’s lunchbox. Cut up different pieces of fruit into cubes such as apple, apricot, banana, papaya, peach, pear, orange, strawberry, kiwi and watermelon. Combine all of them in a small plastic container to make it colorful. To make it even yummier, offer a tasty dip such as yogurt, cream or peanut butter. This will ensure you that your toddler gets his daily dose of fiber, protein, potassium and vitamin C even if he is in school.

Vegetables

Vegetables can be a tricky snack to give your little one. But, with a little creativity, you can get your toddler to enjoy this healthy snack. Veggies such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cherry tomatoes and cucumber are popular snacks. Because toddlers love dipping their foods, do not forget to throw in a small container filled with low-fat ranch dressing to increase the taste factor.

Starchy Foods

Cereal, pasta, bagel, crackers, pretzels, almonds, sunflower seeds, muffins and energy bars are also great additions to your toddler’s lunchbox. Starchy foods are rich in carbohydrates which supplies your little one’s body with the energy it needs for physical activity and for proper organ function, helping your child perform his best in school.

Snack Mix

Prepare a trail or snack mix your toddler can munch on. In a resealable plastic bag, add cereal, raisins, baked potato chips, popcorn, dried cranberries, peanuts, banana chips, tortilla chips, chocolate chips, etc. There are so many possibilities you can experiment with.

Sweet Treats

It will not hurt if you add one or two sweets into your toddler’s lunchbox. Low-fat pudding, yogurt, Jell-o, oatmeal cookies, granola bar, a slice of cake or any sweet he likes will satisfy your toddler’s sweet tooth.

Healthy Drink

Of course, a lunchbox will not be complete without a drink. Store a bottle of water, applesauce, white or chocolate milk, orange juice or homemade lemonade to keep your toddler hydrated throughout the day.

Healthy snacks need not be boring. The key is to know what your toddler likes to eat and to pack his snacks in an appetizing way so your preschooler can come home with an empty lunchbox.

Health experts recommend everyone to start the day with a hearty breakfast. However, when you have busy mornings and a picky eater, this can be impossible. But, there is hope. Here are some healthy and quick breakfast ideas for kids every parent can try.

Cereal

Cereal is a convenient, child-friendly breakfast food for children. Cereal is loaded with carbohydrates, fiber and protein. Buy at least 2 or 3 different brands of cereal so your toddler can mix and match them. Go for whole grain, high fiber cereals since they are packed with more nutrients than sugar-based cereals. Here are some of the best breakfast cereals for children:

• Cheerios
• Earth’s Best Tot Cereal Bars
• Nature’s Path EnviroKidz Penguin Puffs
• Kix
• Wheaties

To make it tastier, let your toddler choose a mix-in (e.g. milk, yogurt, almonds, honey, banana or dried berries) of his choice.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is considered as a child’s comfort food, especially during the cold season. It is very easy to prepare. Plus, you can top it with a handful of sliced apple, sprinkle almonds, raisins and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg or top it with maple syrup to make it extra scrumptious.

Eggs

Ask you little one if he prefers scrambled eggs, a sunny side up or an omelette. You can serve the eggs on top of toasted bread, bagels or English muffins or with cheese, sausage, bacon or cold cuts (ham, salami or roasted beef) on the side. This breakfast food will truly keep your toddler full and merry for hours.

Pancake

This one is another classic breakfast food for children. You can buy instant whole wheat pancake mix from your local grocery and add slices of fresh fruit, raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, grated carrots to the batter for added nutritional value. Top it with honey, whipped cream or plain yogurt and serve.

Waffles

You can either buy a box of frozen waffles or mix up the batter the night before and simply toast them in the morning. Again, offer some toppings such as berries, bananas, strawberries, peaches or apple sauce to make it more nutritious.

Fresh Fruits

Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals and they can be prepared in many ways. You can slice at least 5 to 6 kinds of fruit into        small cubes and combine all of them in a big bowl and top it with unsalted granola or nuts or fat-free whipped cream.

Or, you can make fruit kabobs. Chop up your toddler’s favorite fruits and thread onto wooden skewers. Serve it with a bowl of coconut dip or plain yogurt mixed with honey.

Fruit Smoothies

Fruit smoothie is another all-time favorite. It can satiate your toddler’s sweet tooth because it is sugary yet very rich in vitamins and minerals. Add a handful of bananas, strawberries, mangoes, watermelon and low-fat yogurt or milk in a blender. Pour the mixture into a glass and add a silly straw to make it more exciting.

With these fun and super easy to prepare breakfast ideas, preparing breakfast for your toddler and making sure he does not skip the most important meal of the day need not be a struggle anymore.

“I do not want to eat that Mommy.” is a statement mothers hear too often. It is very common for a picky eater to prefer certain foods which can hinder his body of nutrients essential for his growth. Take your picky eater on a food adventure and widen his food preferences with the help of these tips.

Make Use of Your Toddler’s Senses

Get your toddler to touch the food and say, “Feel how shiny this apple is honey.” or “Look, your cauliflower looks like a tree.”. Smell the food and say something like, “Wow, this apple smells really good.” and then encourage your toddler to do the same. After which, you can move on to licking, taking a small bite and then a normal bite. Tell him that it is okay if he spits it out if it tastes bad to him. While he is chewing his food, tell him to listen to the sound in his mouth and say, “The apple is very crunchy, right baby?”. This technique usually works in helping picky eaters become more comfortable with food.

Go To The Grocery Store or Farmer’s Market

Exposing your picky eater to a place filled with different kinds of food is the best way to introduce food in a subtle way. The produce aisle will look just as appealing as the candy aisle. It has every color, size and shape of foods you can imagine. The next time you go to the store or market, make it an adventure by handing your child a small bag and have him choose one fruit and veggie that he thinks looks cool and yummy. Without a doubt, your toddler will be so excited to eat his hand-picked goodies once you arrive at home.

Visit Farms

Another way of introducing foods to your picky eater is by visiting farms. Schedule a trip to a dairy, fruit or vegetable farm during the weekend so he can see how cheese is made, how potatoes and oranges are grown or how milk is produced. The more your toddler learns about a food, the more interesting it becomes.

Cook Together

The next time you think of a dish to cook for dinner, ask your little one to choose a recipe. Let him help you in the kitchen. He can get the ingredients out of the fridge, wash the vegetables, crack eggs or stir the sauce. The more involved he becomes in making a meal, the more likely he is willing to try and even enjoy it.

Experiment

Make food fun to eat for your picky eater by cutting foods into various shapes using cookie cutters. Serve carrots, broccoli and other veggies with a favorite dip. Slice potatoes into wedges, sprinkle some salt and grill them (for a healthier alternative to French fries). For dessert, slice a variety of fruits into small chunks, place them together in a bowl and add some cream. Or, mix them in a blender to make smoothies.

Camouflage It

When all else fails, the best way to introduce foods to your picky eater without his knowing is to hide them. For instance, add wheat bran into pancake batter. Put a small amount of pureed spinach or broccoli into scrambled eggs, soups and pasta sauce. Sneak a few pieces of chopped turnips into a pot of boiling potatoes, mash them together and serve. When baking bread, add some squash or zucchini. This way, he is able to enjoy his favorite foods while getting the adequate nutrients he needs at the same time.

Making your picky eater eat the good stuff is not always easy, but it can be done with a little creativity and cleverness.

Cooking with toddlers is fun and it is a wonderful gift any parent can share with their children. Here are some tips to help your toddler get started to an activity he will never forget.

Teach Proper Cooking Hygiene

Before anything else, you must teach your toddler proper cooking hygiene. That means - washing hands before and after cooking, pulling hair back, using a small apron to keep him clean and washing utensils and other cooking ingredients he will use beforehand. This is very crucial since cleanliness is an important part of preparing food. Plus, teaching him at a young age will help make it a lifetime habit.

Cover The Basics

Teach your toddler about the different cooking utensils in your kitchen. For instance, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar, show him the 1 cup measurement.

Second, show him how to measure, pour, mix and follow a recipe. Do not worry if your toddler does not get it right at first. Just show him how it is done and guide him. With a little practice, he will perfect it.

Next, explain to your toddler different cooking terminologies. Blanch, braise, dredge, fold, rear and sauté are just some jargons that can make your toddler’s head spin. Define each word properly. You may use easier words, but mastering new words will help broaden his vocabulary.

Finally, make sure you screen your little one about kitchen safety such as never touching appliances when his hands are wet, playing with knives, placing his fingers in a pot of boiling water and so on to avoid accidents.

Give Your Toddler The Right Tools

Having tools his own size not only makes cooking more fun but it makes it easier for him to participate. You can buy kid-sized kitchen utensils such cups, spatula, cutting board, knife and the likes at department stores.

Prepare A Recipe Together

Save the casserole or braised lamb shanks for now and go for a recipe that is easy to prepare. Start cooking his favorites first. If he loves pancakes or spaghetti, then cook that together. Let him wash and measure the ingredients, stir and taste. Allowing your toddler to help you prepare a recipe from start to finish will make him better understand how things are made. Plus, he will truly feel happy and proud that he was able to accomplish a new task.

Keep It Fun

Cooking should be a fun task, not a daunting one. Let your little helper sprinkle cheese, squeeze lemons, crack eggs or create interesting shapes such as stars, moon, bear or animals using cookie cutters. Teach your toddler how to bake cookies or thaw frozen French fries using baking sheets (these are safe for children and easier to use in the kitchen).

Involve Your Toddler In Preparations and Cleanups

Assign him to set placemats, carry plates, spoons and forks and place napkins on the table. Let your little one help you clear the table, load the dishwasher or sweep the floor. This teaches your toddler that table preparation and cleaning up are part of the cooking process.

Teaching your toddler how to cook is not about teaching him to create restaurant-quality dishes, but giving him life-long skills that will boost your toddler’s self-esteem and independence.

Milk contains vitamins and minerals that are essential in keeping toddlers in tiptop condition. But, during the transition from milk to solid foods, some toddlers stop drinking milk. With the help of these strategies, parents can make toddlers and milk the best of friends once again.

Start Small

Offer small amounts of milk. You can start by giving your toddler 1 glass of milk during lunch and dinner and gradually increase the amount. This way, you avoid overwhelming him when you order him to finish it before he can get something else.

Make It Tastier

Change the taste of milk to make it yummier so your little one develops a liking for it and enjoys having it every day. Buy chocolate or strawberry milk. These are fool-proof. Toddlers love colors and seeing their milk in a different color aside from white will make them excited to try it. Or, you can try mixing his milk with chocolate or strawberry syrup. Using semi-sweet chocolate in place of the syrup also works.

Offer Choices

Try different kinds of milk. You can choose from cow’s milk, goat’s milk, soy milk, skim milk or lactose free. Often times, a change of taste is all it takes to make your toddler drink more milk. But, do make sure that your toddler is not allergic to any of them. Seek your pediatrician’s go signal first before experimenting.

Another effective tip is to serve him dairy products such as curd, custard, cheese, yogurt, low-fat ice cream or pudding.

Make The Delivery Appealing

Make drinking milk a fun activity by giving him his own glass, using a fun straw, a sippy cup with a Superman design or a special container. Remember, toddlers do not pay any attention to boring things so think of ways to present milk in an attractive manner.

Add Milk To Your Toddler’s Foods

A sneaky yet very effective way to ensure your toddler gets his daily milk intake is to get milk into your toddler’s diet. Pour milk over his cereal. Use milk when making dips and creams. Instead of water, add milk when making soup. Cook macaroni and cheese. Or, make a fruit drink with the milk. Simply add slices of apples, bananas, mangoes, strawberries or any fruit and milk to a blender. Mix them well and you have a fruit drink your little one will enjoy.

Make Milk The Only Drink Available

Do not give your toddler an opportunity to choose his beverage by placing juice and soda on the table. If you do not give him options, he has no choice but to drink the milk.

Drink Milk Yourself

Toddlers love mimicking their parents and what better way to encourage your toddler to drink milk than by drinking milk yourself. Drink milk on a regular basis. Drink in front of your toddler. Better yet, drink together, clink your glasses and say “Cheers!”.

There you have it. By following the tips mentioned above, you can get your toddler to drink milk in a blink of an eye.

“Drink your milk.”. You have probably heard this thousand of times from your parents, and now, you are reiterating this order to your child. Milk plays a very significant role in a toddler’s diet. Here are six benefits of milk for toddlers.

Provides Balanced Nutrition

Milk is one-stop shopping for nutrition. It almost has all the fundamental nutrients that a growing toddler needs – vitamins, minerals, protein, iron, fats and calcium. Sure, you can get these nutrients from other sources such as meat, fruits and vegetables, but milk puts them all together in one convenient package.

Decreases The Risk of Developing Allergies and Illnesses

A child’s immune system is still weak; hence, it is very easy for a toddler to get sick. Drinking milk helps develop and sustain a healthy body, aids cell development, gives your toddler the energy he needs, promotes healthy skin, good eyesight and the production of red blood cells and antibodies that help ward off common infections such as diarrhea, lower urinary tract infection and respiratory infection among others. It is also beneficial in the development of a toddler’s digestive system to prevent allergies.

Reduces The Risk of Obesity

A lot of parents think that giving their toddlers too much milk to drink can cause a gain in weight and body fat. But, studies have not found a connection between high milk consumption and weight gain. In fact, a toddler who is a milk drinker only has a 20% chance of becoming obese.

Builds Better Brains

Milk enhances brain growth. It contains a brain-building substance called tryptophan – an amino acid essential for growth. Tryptophan creates serotonin, a transmitter found in the brain that boosts the development of the central nervous system for better memory, spatial, verbal and visual skills. When your toddler drinks milk often, maximum fat consumption is achieved which is valuable for your child’s developing brain.

Promotes Better Sleep

Have you ever wondered why drinking a glass of warm milk makes you feel sleepy? After a long day of doing physically demanding activities, your little one might feel restless which makes going to sleep even more difficult. But, when your toddler drinks a glass of warm milk before bedtime, the muscles relax more which creates a comforting sensation that will help him settle down and put your little one to sleep right away. Another reason why toddlers sleep better after drinking milk is because their stomachs have something in it.

Keeps The Body Hydrated

Sometimes, toddlers prefer drinking milk over water, and because toddlers have high energy levels, they can easily get dehydrated. A toddler can stay hydrated by drinking milk. It serves as an excellent substitute to water in helping the body cool down as well as maintain the fluid level in the body. Drinking milk after an hour of rough play can replenish the body with the fluid lost while performing the activity.

Milk is very good for everyone, especially for children. While it is not the perfect food, it has a lot of things going for it that will truly keep your toddler active, bright and healthy.

Kids and sweets go together like copy and paste. No one can blame them. Everyone loves a good dessert. However, having a sweet tooth can lead to sticky health issues. But luckily, it does not have to be entirely bad for your toddler with the help of these tips.

Offer Plenty of Options

Sure, it can be ice cream or chocolates, but there are a lot of things that can gratify your toddler’s sweet tooth that are not unhealthy for his body. Dessert items such as yogurt, trail mix, fruit crisp, a bowl of cold, fresh fruits, low-fat pudding and soy milkshake are not only very yummy but are loaded with vitamins and nutrients as well.

Keep Everything In Moderation

As the old saying goes, “Too much of anything is bad.”. Eating sinful treats like cake, popsicles and cookies is divine, but once you eat too much, say hello to toothache. It is very important to keep everything in moderation in order to make sure your little one has healthy dessert habits. Offer desserts frequently, but not every night. For example, your toddler can have dessert 3 times a week after dinner or you can alternate giving him healthy and not so healthy desserts.

Do Not Ban Sweets Completely

Never banish sweets altogether as this will only backfire because your toddler will just want them more. Eating one piece of candy, muffin or a slice of chocolate cake from time to time will not do him harm. Instead, it will even teach your toddler to be careful with his portions.

Explain Its Importance

Your toddler may ask you why he cannot have dessert every day. Instead of giving him a lengthy discussion of the food pyramid or how he will get obese if he eats too much sweets, explain it to your toddler in a brief and precise manner. You can say something like, “Baby, in order for you to grow strong, your body needs healthy foods. So we eat healthy food first and then we can have a treat.”. This way, there will be no room for questions and arguments.

Do Not Force Your Toddler To Eat

If your toddler is not hungry, do not obligate him to clean his plate before he can have dessert. This only encourages overeating which can lead to health complications later on in life. Let him eat as much as he likes or have him try two or three bites of everything on his plate before he tries the dessert.

Set A Good Example

Your child’s eating habit is a representation of your own eating habit. So before you teach your toddler how to have healthy dessert habits, examine yourself first. Does your toddler see you munch on that cake like there is no tomorrow? If yes, how can you expect him to listen and follow your orders? Adjust your dessert habits first. Once he sees you eating one slice of cake in a week, he will follow.

Teaching your toddler healthy dessert habits is difficult but not impossible. With discipline, moderation and imagination, sweets can be good for your child.