products made specifically for children.
Only about two in five said they discussed supplement use with their child’s health care provider, and parents in lower-income households were less likely to do so.
“The use of dietary supplements in children is an important health decision to discuss with doctors, but less than half of parents who have given their child a supplement talked to their child’s health provider,” Clark shares.
She urges providers to discuss nutrition with families to be sure they understand what a healthy diet should include and that they are using supplements appropriately.
“In situations where families can’t afford to provide a healthy diet, providers may direct parents to social service programs that can help,” Clark adds.
RELATED: 4 Tricks to Turn Your Fussy Eater Around
How to handle picky eaters
Dealing with picky eaters can be tough, but the following tips can help:
- Eat a range of healthy foods yourself. Make sure that your own choices are in line with the foods you want your child to eat and enjoy.
- Prepare meals together. Having a hand in making the meal increases the chances that your child will taste his or her “creation.” Have your little one assist with measuring, pouring, or stirring.
- Avoid showing disgust or disinterest when trying new foods. One study found that mothers who showed (with their facial expressions, body language, or words) that they didn’t want to try a new food had children who also refused new foods. In short, your young child will probably be less willing to try something new if you haven’t tasted it. And if you are a “picky eater” yourself, then your young child is likely to imitate you in this behavior, just as he or she imitates the way you talk on the phone or the way you wave goodbye to them each morning at child care.