If you are concerned about your toddler’s eating habits, don’t worry you’re not alone. There are many other moms out there who have experienced or are going through the same thing. Periods of picky eating or not eating at all is quite common when it comes to toddlers.

Here are a few tips to help you get through these times:

Start out right

When your toddler begins eating table food, be cautious about the foods you give him first. Always offer vegetables first and fruits last. Why? Many fruits are naturally sweet. Some toddlers who start out with fruit might refuse the less appealing taste of vegetables.

Provide balanced nutrition

Do you offer your toddler balanced meals? The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends that your toddler consume at least 1000 calories per day. Make sure you offer them a well-rounded meal when they are ready to eat. Include dairy products, protein, breads and cereal (grains), fruits and vegetables.

Limit sugar

This is a hard thing for many parents. Companies have made it easy for kids to grab a bottle of soda with their mini cans and bottles. You should take heed to caution if you are already giving your toddler sugared drinks. Another important point to remember is to monitor their intake of candy and junk food, as well as sodas or fruit drinks that contain sugar. This stuff is no good for their bodies or teeth and will make them bounce off the walls.

Make eating fun

If your toddler is a fussy eater and refuses to eat healthy foods, don’t make a big deal about it. Chances are, the more you try to make her eat carrots, the more she will refuse. Instead lay out healthy foods within her reach and let your toddler grab the healthy snacks on her own. Carrot sticks, apple slices, raisins, apricots, bread sticks are all great and quick healthy snacks for your toddler.

Above all stay positive and know that your toddler won’t really be in danger if they eat sporadically. This is normal for many toddlers and if they get hungry enough they will eat. If you’re at all concerned about your toddlers weight gain do check with your pediatrician and he or she may be able to provide a multivitamin supplement as well as further advice.

To learn more, check out the Mom’s Talk Guide to Raising Happy & Healthy Kids – Tips and resources address nutrition, exercise, sleep, routines, and much more.

Most moms feel like they will never want to let their precious baby out of their sight when they’re born. Life usually offers up a few stumbling blocks in this area, whether Mom has to go back to work or just wants to take a much needed break and go to the grocery store on her own.

Somewhere around 18 months to two years of age even well adjusted toddlers may experience fear about being separated from his or her primary caregiver. This separation anxiety is made worse by the fact that the child is too young to express his fear is words and usually resorts to full out screaming and crying when faced with letting Mom go.

If you are armed with the knowledge that this is a normal phase that most toddlers go through, you won’t end up feeling helpless and you’ll be able to respond to your child’s fear calmly and reassuringly.

If you’ve rarely ever left your child with someone else or need to go back to work, it’s best to start preparing your toddler for this process in advance. You can do this by slowly allowing your toddler to stay with other people for short periods of time.

Decide how and how far in advance you will let your child know that you are leaving. Decide on the best way to say good-bye. Never just disappear; this will create even more anxiety for your child. It’s always best to be honest with your child, give him a big hug and kiss and calmly leave.

Another good tip is to act positively and happily (even though you may feel completely different inside). This will help your toddler feel reassurance and know that there is no need to worry mommy will be back in a little while.

Keep up with what’s happening at Mom’s Talk Network, by clicking here.

Do you spend time reading to your toddler? Reading out loud to your little ones has important benefits to offer both of you.

The first benefit is that you both get to enjoy some cuddle time. Taking care of a busy toddler can be exhausting for mom so the chance to relax on the couch with your bundle of energy is a treat. Reading a book or two right before their nap or bedtime is a great way to calm them down and prepare them to rest.

Another benefit is that it builds up their self confidence. Toddlers love to have a few favorite books read to them over and over. As they learn to recognize the characters, they start to anticipate what you’re going to say next. This is both exciting and reassuring to them. As the mommy you may be tired of reading the same book again and again but you are giving them a precious gift with every turn of the page.

Your toddler’s books can also provide reassurance and comfort. A 20 month old was terrified about being dropped off at a new daycare until her Mom had a light bulb moment. She packed her favorite Dr. Seuss books in the diaper bag. That next visit to daycare, the caregiver sat down to read to her daughter before Mom left. The little girl’s eyes lit up with delight as she heard her stories being told by another and she snuggled in close to listen. When Mom waved good bye, she hardly took her eyes away from the book.

A third benefit is that your toddler is learning, no matter how short and simple the story may be. As you read aloud and point at the pictures or even follow the words along with your finger tip, you’re teaching them that the words stand for something. Before you know it little chubby hands will be doing the pointing for you.

Even when they are too young to really understand what is being said, they’re benefiting from listening to the words. With every syllable you’re helping them to grasp the nuances of language and by making reading a big part of their life at a young age, you’re setting them up to like books later when they become important to their education.

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