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hvparent.com ■ Hudson Valley Parent 13 JUMP INTO A SADDLE THIS SUMMER Riders of All Levels Welcome! Summer Camp Runs 6/29-8/28 M-F (9-5) Extended Hours Available • Tailored Riding Lessons • Hands-on Demonstrations • Grooming & Tacking • Mini Horse Shows Meadow Creek Farm Horsemanship Academy 321 Skidmore Rd., Pleasant Valley 845-363-6000 MeadowCreekFarm.co Buy 3 Weeks, Get the 4th 1/2 OFF L ocal mom Liz Westinghouse, a registered dietitian and certified nutritionist with Thyme Retreat in Poughkeepsie, answers common questions about picky eaters. Q: My baby was a great eater until around age 2, then he suddenly stopped eating foods that he previously loved! Why is this happening? While this certainly isn't compre- hensive, here are a few thoughts. First thing, a child's taste spectrum is broad and they truly may no longer prefer certain foods that they once did, but you'll find that they may come to like others. If there are foods that your child usually loves, it is possible that he's come to the realization that he can actually say no and is potentially "testing" you to see how you react to his behavior. The less you react to these behaviors, while remaining calm and consistent in your response, the more likely you are to reduce them from becoming permanent. I would continue to offer the foods if you believe it is behavioral, but don't force the issue. Your child will typically come around to those foods again. Q: What other physical issues might lead to extreme pickiness in young children? At what point should I consider having my child evaluated for underlying causes of pickiness and who should I call? In the case of extreme pickiness, it's possible that your child may be suffering from something other than a case of "I just don't like bananas this Fussy eater? Ask the expert (Continued on Page 18)