Unit 7: CHS 254 DB
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Choose a feeding challenge identified in your readings and propose a strategy you might use to address it. Please be sure to identify the developmental stage of the child: infant, toddler, or preschooler.
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Introduction:
Feeding challenges can be common in children and can vary depending on their developmental stage. As a medical professor, I have come across various feeding challenges in my readings, and one such challenge that stands out is picky eating, which can occur in all three developmental stages of a child. In this scenario, I propose a strategy to address picky eating in a toddler.
Answer:
Picky eating is a common feeding challenge in toddlers, where they selectively eat certain foods and refuse others. Thus, it is essential to address it as it can lead to nutrient deficiencies, affecting the child’s development. One strategy to address picky eating in a toddler is to expose them to a variety of foods continually. This strategy involves presenting the child with different types of healthy foods frequently, even if they have refused them before, to encourage a balanced diet. For example, parents could try incorporating new fruits and vegetables in the toddler’s diet every week. Another approach is to involve the child in food preparation to create a sense of ownership and interest in what they eat. Additionally, parents should avoid forcing the child to eat certain foods, as this may cause the child to develop negative associations with them. Instead, parents should offer a variety of healthy options and encourage the child to try them. Ultimately, consistent and healthy food exposures can help toddlers overcome picky eating and lead them towards developing preference for a balanced diet.