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Try offering small meals and snacks throughout the day so they have something small to eat or drink every 2-3 hours during the day. Many children find this easier than sticking to their usual three meals. Always keep snacks handy (see pages 13-14 for ideas on snack foods.

Try offering small meals and snacks throughout the day so they have something small to eat or drink every 2-3 hours during the day. Many children find this easier than sticking to their usual three meals. Always keep snacks handy (see pages 13-14 for ideas on snack foods.

Most children enjoy cooking and decorating biscuits and cakes. Making your own pizza or homemade milkshakes and smoothies can also be fun. Many children enjoy eating out in cafés or restaurants. If you can’t go out, why not have a ‘pretend’ restaurant at home? Use a tablecloth and write a menu. Use straws and ice for drinks. You could even serve your own version of a children’s takeaway meal! Invite a friend over for tea Picnics can be fun either outdoors or on the floor in your home. Ask your child to decide on what you should all eat. Some children, especially younger children, enjoy having food that has been arranged on their plates, for example, making a face from fish fingers, chips, tomatoes and peas or sandwiches cut into funny shapes.

Avoid filling your child up with low energy, bulky foods such as clear soups, vegetables and fruit. “Power pack” the food: add extra protein and energy by mixing in extra milk, cream, oil, nut butters (for more ideas, see section How to add extra calories and protein to food ).