Children learn by watching and at times resist food. Starting a routine time based meal actually works. If you are a working parent then do instruct the care giver to do the meals in a hygienic and systematic manner. Small details count a lot. Excessive addition of salt and sugar makes the child habituated to certain tastes. The Indian curry masala has lot of medicinal properties and it is fine to introduce the child to spices in a phased manner.

 By about a year the child should be able to eat food that is served for the entire family. Dollops of ghee are not required and alternatives to milk are seen in curds, smoothies and yummy milkshakes. Just as milk-drinking becomes a chore many kids do not like to drink milk. Try some fresh dry fruits in the milk or make a strawberry smoothie which is taken as a welcome change.

 For start ups all kids require to be spoon fed though occasionally let them feel the texture of food. The mess can always be cleared and clothes can always be washed. This is also their first step at independence and hence let them hold the papaya or mash it to glory. Let them try peeling a banana or allow them to smell the flavoring on the biryani. Let them watch you cook and mix and give them a chance to hold the pizza bread or use the salad ladle.

 Spoon feeding is just not about food but also weaning the child away from things which he was dependent on you from a long time. It is a point of letting go to create a distinct personality who is a strong individual in the coming years.