A 2-year-old child is reported to be a “picky eater” by his father. What pointers could the nurse provide the parent to help minimize stress related to mealtime? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Offering small portions (1-2 teaspoons) reduces overwhelm for a picky eater, encouraging trying new foods without pressure. This aligns with pediatric nutrition strategies for toddlers, minimizing mealtime stress, making it a correct pointer for the father to implement effectively for his 2-year-old. Choice B reason: Avoiding sweets as rewards prevents reinforcing unhealthy eating habits and reduces mealtime battles. This promotes intrinsic motivation for eating, aligning with pediatric feeding guidelines, making it a correct strategy to minimize stress for a 2-year-old picky eater during meals with the family. Choice C reason: Feeding the toddler before the family may disrupt social eating and does not address picky eating directly. Small portions and avoiding rewards are more effective, making this incorrect, as it does not minimize stress or encourage healthy mealtime behaviors in toddlers in a family setting. Choice D reason: Food jags (preferring one food) are normal in toddlers and should be accommodated, not resisted, to avoid stress. Forcing variety escalates conflicts, making this incorrect compared to strategies like small portions that reduce mealtime tension for picky eaters in early childhood. Choice E reason: Limiting mealtime to 20 minutes prevents prolonged battles, reducing stress for a picky eater. Short meals respect the toddler’s attention span, aligning with pediatric feeding recommendations, making it a correct pointer to help the father manage mealtime effectively for his 2-year-old child.