Tanis Tsisserev calls it a daily struggle. Feeding has been a challenge right from the start. At 15-months old, Leo still does not enjoy eating solids.

Mom says, "I just wish that mealtime was a little bit easier to predict."

Tanis says Leo picks away at his food. She wonders if he's getting enough, but...

"He's perfectly, perfectly healthy, so I don't know how much of this is me versus Leo."

Tracy Lamerton is a Registered Dietician. She thinks it's important for people to know they're not alone and it's really a common normal way of eating. She says there are different kinds of eaters...ones who are enthusiastic, those afraid of new foods but will try stuff after repeated exposure and then there are the "limited" eaters. They're the ones whose preferences are on a very, short list. To convert those eaters -- here's the worst thing you can do, "No matter what age it is, pressure usually backfires and they end up even worse, becoming more picky and more selective with their eating."

Lamerton says toddlers need structure and limits as they strive for independence. The following tips can help:

• Set up a schedule for meals and snack times
• Don't let them graze all day long.
• No matter what the age -- try to eat meals together
• Dn't turn into a short order cook. Don't make your kids separate meals.
• With older children -- be sure to talk with them about the introduction of new foods

Lamerton also suggests getting your child involved in food preparation and food selection.

Tanis understands patience with Leo is key, "We're just trying the best we can and trying to be as patient as possible."

For more of Tracy Lamerton's tips at the dinner table -- you can call Balance Nutrition Consulting at (604) 461-1499.

Thursday April 27, 2006