Parent to Parent: Picky Eaters

But there are recipes for getting your picky eaters to clean their plates You wouldn't know it, but Sarah, 3, loves yogurt. Fighting mom is just a habit.

Ruth Carey, registered dietitian
"It's common for children to change their likes and dislikes almost on a daily basis. The problem is when kids throw a tantrum about what they will or won't eat, and their parents reward it, then it becomes a pattern over time."

Parents need to set the example and avoid giving into demands. The key to a fuss free meal is simply patience.

Ruth Carey, registered dietitian
"Well, I think a lot of parents don't realize that it can take up to 13 tries for a child to accept a new food, and many parents give up after serving that food once or twice."

Children love to feel involved, so engage them as much as possible in the cooking process and get creative. They're more likely to eat something they help make.

Ruth Carey, registered dietitian
"You know, even young children can handle simple tasks like pouring, mixing and seasoning foods. And kids can have fun by using cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of nutritious foods, like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches."

To stir things up at dinner, mix in a variety of canned goods with foods your child already enjoys, like Mac 'n' cheese with beans and tomatoes or substitute baked potato wedges for fries.

Ruth Carey, registered dietitian
"Well, healthy food doesn't have to mean brussel sprouts and tofu. Even kids' favorites, like potatoes, are nutritious. It's how we prepare them, like brushing them with olive oil and herbs, instead of frying them."

Over the course of a week, kids with healthy appetites will get all the nutrients they need. Even the pickiest eaters will come around.