Which of the following is a recommended method to help a toddler eat healthfully? 

• A. If they reject a healthy new food, keep offering it to them multiple times; they may change their mind.
• B. If they refuse to eat healthy food, bribe them by offering any unhealthy food they want if they finish their healthy meal first.
• C. Eat unhealthy food and then pretend to feel ill. This shows toddlers the harmful effect of unhealthy foods.
• D. Only offer them one option (even if they don’t like it) so they have no choice but to eat healthy.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that toddlers are developing their food preferences and may initially reject new healthy foods due to unfamiliarity or taste preferences.
2. Recognize that repeatedly offering a healthy new food without pressure helps toddlers become familiar with it, increasing the likelihood they will accept it over time.
3. Avoid using bribery or rewards involving unhealthy foods, as this can create negative associations with healthy eating and promote unhealthy habits.
4. Do not use fear tactics, such as pretending to feel ill from unhealthy foods, because toddlers learn best through positive experiences and modeling rather than fear.
5. Avoid forcing toddlers to eat only one option without choice, as this can create resistance; instead, offer a variety of healthy options and allow some autonomy in their choices.