Staten Island Pediatrician Discusses Common Mistakes Parents Make With Picky Eaters

BOHEMIA, N.Y., June 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Michael Gabriel of GPM Pediatrics, a Staten Island Pediatric Center, discusses an article posted on Café Mom that discusses common mistakes that parents make with picky eaters.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140612/117322

In the article, six common actions are listed that most parents do in order to get their child to eat during mealtime. They are as follows:

• Forcing your child to eat
• Making a child finish a meal
• Using dessert as a bribe
• Becoming a short order cook
• Overloading the plate
• Using food as a reward or punishment

While these are typical responses for parentswhen dealing with a picky eater, they can have severe consequences in the future. The article states, "It may seem like a good way [making a child finish a meal] to get enough nutrients in their belly, but this common practice is a good way to set a child up for an eating disorder."

Dr. Michael Gabriel of GPM Pediatrics warns that although dealing with a picky child can be extremely frustrating, parents should try to avoid these mistakes as much as possible. "Parents need to realize that it is unlikely for any child to starve themselves. If they are hungry, they will eat what you put in front of them. The child could simply not be hungry during the times that meals are typically served or they can just not like the flavors on the plate."

Dr. Gabriel encourages parents to try and think of other ways to get picky eaters to eat. "Try something new! Smoothies are a great idea to pack in a lot of fruits in vegetables in a tasty way or take advantage of the age old saying that we eat with our eyes and cut up fruits and vegetables into fun shapes with cookie cutters and make fun images out of them." Gabriel goes on to say, "If you really are concerned that your child isn't getting the nutrition they need, speak with your pediatrician and together you can come up with a strategy specific for you child's needs."

GPM Pediatrics provides comprehensive pediatric care to children throughout the New York area with practices both in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Our board certified pediatricians and experienced staff help provide a very warm and nurturing environment for both you and your children. Our approach combines the latest treatment methods with the personal attention you should expect from your doctor. Simply put, we understand the importance of communication and trust and we are earning that trust one family at a time.

Media Contact: Scott Darrohn, GPM Pediatrics, 855-347-4228, [email protected]

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SOURCE GPM Pediatrics