• eats a wide variety of nutritious foods
• drinks from a cup
• shows independence in making food choices
• plays with food in hands and fingers
• shows a lack of interest in food
• varies the amount of food eaten each day
  

• shows a lack of interest in food
• loads a spoon and carries food to the mouth
• holds and directs a cup
• shows a distinct preference for some foods
• prefers two to three small meals and two to three snacks rather than three large meals daily
• dawdles over food
• varies the amount of food eaten each day
• says "no" to eating a favorite food
• likes to be given choices such as, "Would you like a peach or a banana?"
• objects when one food touches another
  

• eats only one food for short periods of time
• prefers finger foods
• prefers raw or partially-cooked vegetables to cooked vegetables
• manages well with a spoon and fork
• feeds him/herself without help
• plays with food
• tries new flavors and textures
• refuses a food one day and eats it with pleasure the next
• likes small servings of food
• prefers soft meats such as hamburger and poultry
• rejects food for irrational reasons (for example, a broken cracker or cookie)
• becomes tired and fussy by the end of the day
  

• chooses a limited variety of foods
• likes colorful/attractive foods
• makes food selection decisions
• prefers sweet foods
• has a defined eating pattern
  

• uses a knife and fork together
• handles food with ease
• selects a variety of foods from each of the four food groups
• has an increased appetite

All children are unique and develop at their own pace. The above list is only a guide.