Many toddlers are very choosy on food. This is usually a developmental transition. It is common for a toddler's eating preference and appetite to change with his growth. How we deal with our kids' eating may affect their eating habit. The more you struggle with them, the more they resist. Try to relax and stay in a pleasant mood during mealtime to minimize stress and conflict .

How can I ensure a balanced diet if he is a picky eater and loves junk food only?

Parents can help their child develop a healthy eating habit since infancy. Try to introduce food with different varieties and textures when you start weaning. Develop a regular feeding routine with him. Avoid giving snacks just before mealtime as they may upset his appetite. When your child refuses certain food, replace with other choices from the same basic food group of the 'food pyramid'. For example, fruit, stem vegetables and other coloured vegetables are in the same food group as green vegetables. Beans, milk, eggs and meat are in the same food group. Sometimes, variation in food choices and cooking methods may arouse his interest in food, e.g. a mixture of beans of various colours as a side dish, bringing in novelty by making sushi, sandwiches or salads instead of the usual stewing and steaming. Only give him healthy snacks such as fruits, yogurt, or cereals in between meals to make a range of wholesome food available.

I think I have to spend more time on planning the menu for my kids. Are there any other ways to increase his interest in eating?

That would be wonderful. Let your child help in meal preparation and that will increase the interest. During mealtime, have your child sitting together with the family at the dining table. By doing so, he can learn from observing and imitating the adult's table manner and healthy eating habit. That would also be good opportunity for parent-child interaction and making mealtime an interesting experience. After your child reaches one year of age, you can let him try feeding himself. That allows him to explore and learn with his growing hand motor skills. Encourage him to be independent in taking his meal by giving him praises. Be prepared that he will be messy at first. Instead of avoiding the messiness by either feeding him or criticizing him, take some precaution measures such as giving him an apron or protecting the floor with sheets of newspaper would make you feel easier.

I see. But it's really frustrating when he does not stay on his seat to eat.

That's quite common among toddlers. Remember to keep calm and be firm and consistent in dealing with his behaviour. Set ground rules such as 'eat only while seated' and be firm with them. Never let him get into a habit of being chased around to feed. If he refuses to obey, you may have to give him a logical consequence as described in the recording of 'Noncompliance'.

What about spitting out food that he doesn't want to eat?

Baby spits up food that he doesn't like or just wants to attract your attention. In that case, just stay calm and withdraw all attention from him by turning away from him. You may have to remove his food too. Wait until the problem behaviour has stopped, then look at him again and return the food to him. Always praise your child whenever he cooperates to increase his desirable behaviours.