Jodee, age 3, insists on having all of the different foods on her plate separated. If the vegetables touch the meat, she insists on a new plate. Jodee's parents are concerned about this behavior. What advice would you offer them?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jodee is exhibiting normal developmental behavior known as the "just-right" stage, which is common in young children between the ages of 2 and 6. It's important for parents to be patient and understanding during this stage, and not force the child to mix their food. Eventually, the child will outgrow this behavior on their own. Punishing or forcing the child can lead to negative associations with food and eating habits. It's also not appropriate to jump to the conclusion that the child has a disorder without first observing a pattern of behavior or consulting a healthcare professional.

Jodee, Age 3, Insists on Having All of the Different