While food is a necessity of life, it can also become a powerful tool in a toddler’s world. What mother doesn’t get worried when their child isn’t eating a lot of foods, or if their child only will eat one food like cereal. The way a parent deals with food and eating when it comes to their toddler is very important.

Children, when between the ages of 2 to 6, often go on what is known as a food jag. A food jag is when a child will only eat one food and eats it at every meal, or a child stops eating foods that were their favorites only a few days ago. A food jag can happen if your child begins getting bored with what you serve them, or more likely it’s a way for your toddler to exert her independence. She’s deciding what she wants to eat.

Refusing to eat a meal can be a way a toddler is trying to control her parents. She won’t eat the meal served to the rest of the family so Mom jumps up and cooks her a favorite meal (whatever it is). Your child has just controlled your behavior.

It’s important to remain low key when your child is on a food jag. Don’t make a big deal out of the fact that your three year old has had grilled cheese sandwiches for every meal this past week. Your child will become bored with the food and the food jag will eventually end. If you show a reaction to it then your child might not change the behavior since she has gotten your attention.

While your child is “controlling” what she eats, you can control what food is served. Offer her the desired food, but also offer her small portions of other healthy foods. It often takes a child 10 to 20 tastes of a new food before she will accept it, so don’t worry if she doesn’t like broccoli the first time it is served. Praise your child for trying new foods, but don’t punish them for not eating something on her plate.

Our taste buds develop as we age, so don’t worry if your toddler won’t eat many different types of foods. As long as you continue to provide healthy foods and set a good example by eating a balanced diet your toddler will grow out of these food jags.