Picky Eater

(HealthDayNews) -- Everyone seems to have a child who's a picky eater. Since it's common for kids to have strong food preferences, almost all families struggle with a child who refuses to try anything new.

Encourage a broader appetite with these tips from Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio:

• Keep a positive attitude about food, and talk to your child during feedings.
• Set regular eating times away from distractions, such as the TV or telephone.
• Allow two hours between eating times; a child who eats through the day won't be hungry at dinner.
• Serve smaller portions on smaller plates.
• Don't insist your child eat everything on his plate.
• Limit how much juice your child drinks. Fluid can fill up little tummies.

-- Felicity Stone