An ideal diet for children includes a variety of items from the food-guide pyramid. This means daily servings of breads and grains, fruits and vegetables, milk and other dairy products, and meat or other sources of protein. But what can you do if your child avoids certain food groups?

Here are a few tips that can help you deal with a picky eater:

• Keep in mind parents are responsible for deciding what foods are offered. Children are responsible for deciding if they eat those foods and how much. Resist the urge to offer your child only those foods you know he or she will eat. Give your child a choice between two foods you feel good about offering.

• Structure meal and snack times. Stick to a schedule.

• Avoid power struggles. Most picky-eating behaviors develop when children are experimenting with control. Praise your child for what he or she does eat. Ignore what he or she does not eat.

• Serve child-size portions. Large portions can be overwhelming and difficult for children to finish.

• Watch beverage intake. Some children drink too much juice, soda and other sweetened

drinks. Offer these beverages in limited amounts and encourage water between meals.

• Set a good example. Eat a healthful and varied diet yourself.

Remember, it takes a lot of time and patience to improve any child’s eating behavior. For additional information, talk to your child’s doctor or a registered dietitian.