 If your child is choosy or messy, don't worry, it's normal. Watching you eat a range of foods can encourage your child to try new foods. Here are some ideas which may help you. Involve your child in preparing meals. They will love doing this and it may help them try new foods. It helps to have meal times at a similar time every day. Try to have meals before your child gets too hungry or tired to eat. You may be tempted to give your child treats so they eat something. But this may make your child a fessier eater. Don't force your child to eat all their food. Just take an eaten food away without comment. Try to stay calm even if it's very frustrating. Avoid distractions. Try to switch off the TV and eat together at the table, away from the toys or other distractions. Let toddlers feed themselves. Try finger foods and let them use their hands rather than a spoon or fork. It may help to present foods in different forms. Your child may refuse cooked carrots but enjoy raw carrots cut into sticks. Let your child decide how much to eat. You can give them small portions and praise them for trying new foods. Offer healthy snacks like fruit between meals. Handle accidents in a calm way. Your child is still developing so spills are likely to happen. Research suggests that children who have meals with their family do better in lots of ways. Including being healthy and doing well at school. For more helpful tips on meal times and positive parenting techniques, visit gov.world slash give it time.