THE POTATO CHIPS DIET

It is common for 3- to -5-year-olds to develop-seemingly overnight-specific food preferences, meaning in some cases they'll eat only yellow foods or foods covered completely by applesauce. In other cases, the selection shrinks to potato chips. Then there are the ones who can't get enough of one food on Wednesday and then reject it on Thursday. That can be frustrating, to say the least.

CONTROL AND INDEPENDENCE

One thing a parent needs to accept: Inconsistency in eating rules the day. Your child may be less hungry some days because she was less active the day before. Or she may be the victim of a whim. When children are stubborn about eating at this age, it is part of learning to be independent and in control. Try not to get flustered.

STRATEGIES

Even at the height of these difficult periods, children will not starve themselves, and they rarely lose weight. However, if you do notice weight loss, or other symptoms of illness such as fever, nausea, or diarrhea along with a sudden change in appetite, then you should consult your health care provider.

Here's what you can do to make eating more pleasant:

* Offer your child nutritious foods and let her decide what and how much to eat

* Be a good role model-children will eat however their family does, eventually

* Try not to rush your child. However, if she takes longer than 30 minutes to eat her meal, she's really not hungry so it's best to give up. That's too long for a small child to sit at the table, and just becomes a power struggle.