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Hi Anaylticsman:

Here are some conversations around picky eaters.

http://www.bettycrocker.com/CommunityForums/forums.aspx/11/2864

http://www.bettycrocker.com/CommunityForums/forums.aspx/11/3032

http://www.bettycrocker.com/CommunityForums/forums.aspx/11/2718

http://www.bettycrocker.com/CommunityForums/forums.aspx/11/44

Hope you find some of the advice helpful.

Sincerely, CC

My 6 yr old is very picky himself. He likes some foods, soup, crackers, and broccoli are his faves first hand but he will try to eat anything except for certain fish products. But when he does eat, he is like me in many ways, very ocd about things, his food can not touch. For example, I just can't get him to eat foods that are mixed together, he loves peas and carrots but if they are mixed peas and carrots, you might as well forget about it. One thing that I have found that helps out a lot is getting them to help you in the kitchen, just so they can see that the food is okay and such. I know that he really enjoys when he can help me in the kitchen. Its fun for them and they get to see the food before they consume it. I know that probably did not help at all, I guess I was just stating that my 6 yr old has the same problems. lol. If you hear anything that can help, please let me know as well. Thanks and have a great day.

Is it a behavorial problem or does she just not like other foods?  What happens when you try new foods?

Kids LOVE to test limits and they also have their own "taste" in many things.  Your child may truly not like the taste and/or textures of certain foods.  Best bet is to pick out three or four different recipes you want to make.  Let your child choose ONE of those, then allow him/her to help make and serve the meal.  Creating ownership and having choices may help ease limit testing.

I would definitely get her involved in the kitchen, albeit in simple and small ways.  You could start by making Rice Krispie treats together, for example.  So easy, so fun, and who doesn't like them?  She might start developing a "taste" for wanting to spend time in the kitchen with you (quality time with mom), which would make her more vulnerable to food options in an environment full of variables.  Another idea is putting one of her favorite foods (peanut butter) on celery sticks, but letting her assemble.  The more she can take part in the "cooking", the more fun she'll have, which may lead to a fuller, more developed interest in opening up her world of food options.  Try giving her what she likes at mealtime with the stipulation that she try something alongside the mac&cheese that she's never tried before, like corn on the cob (kid friendly) or peas and carrots, for example. 

Any suggestions for a infant/toddler who when they started feeding themselves started regected pretty much everything he didn't like the color or texture of.  He ate everything as an infant.  I made my own baby food and made sure he had a variety and even when he started with solids he ate up everything I gave him.  He now wants only breads, cheese and some noodles.  He will literally inspect what I give him pull it apart and eat what he wants and toss the rest.  It's driving me crazy because he refuses things he once devoured.  I'm so paranoid and dreading this bad habit will stick if I continue to give in, but he is stubborn and wont budge.  What do I do.  Oh and he is my first child, so I may be overreacting but I'm so torn about this.