Do you feel like a short-order cook trying to please your picky eater? Or worry that your child's insistence on eating mac 'n' cheese for every meal is depriving him of important nutrients? The key to coping with a child's picky eating is patience, says nutritionist Sue Gilbert, M.S. It's also important to know that the following picky-eating behaviors are normal:

• Children go on food "jags" where they seemingly eat only one food.
• Children need fewer calories than you think -- which means that they may be full when you think they're being finicky.
• Children are separatists who typically like their foods individually, not combined or even "touching."
• Children are wary of new foods. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't offer them new things to try, but keep your expectations low and your attitude upbeat when you do.

Learn more about feeding your picky eater from Sue Gilbert below. Then get advice from other moms (and share your own coping tips too) right here!