DEAR READERS: Do you have a child or a grandchild who is a picky eater? This can be frustrating for all parties. Here are some hints that can help:
• Don't force the child to eat; this is not a good idea. Also, don't barter or debate with picky eaters. Promising candy in return for eating veggies sends the wrong message about food and nutrition.
• Act like you don't care if the child eats the healthy stuff. Of course you care, but if you are constantly nagging, that will backfire.
• Sneaking veggies into muffins, cake and bread is a new trend. Be prepared to grate a lot if you try it.
• Dips, salad dressings and sauces can help, but these can be loaded with sugar and fat. Read the label, and let 'em dip, within boundaries.
• Line your counters and coffee tables with healthful and fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables in cute containers. Who can resist this? (But be aware of choking hazards for small children and toddlers.)
• Allow the child to participate in meal preparation. Yes, things will get messy, but this will make for wonderful memories, and if the child has a hand in creating fresh salads and healthful foods, he is more likely to eat them.
• If nothing works, talk to your pediatrician.
DEAR HELOISE: When my grandchildren come to visit, I look for outside activities to do. I don't want them playing video games all day.
I went to my sporting-goods store and bought a small dome tent for $20, and I also got some play sand. We set up the tent in a corner of my patio and filled it with sand. The kids love playing in it.
I zip it up when they go home to keep my dogs and visiting cats out. The tent has been on my patio for over a year with no problems.
-- Susan in California
DEAR HELOISE: I've had a fungus on a toenail for a few years. I've been to the doctor and tried over the counter stuff, with no help.
Last spring, I saw an article in your column to use 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar, but it can take three months. I used heated apple-cider vinegar, and I didn't soak every day, but when I did, I would for at least 45 minutes.
Guess what? My toenail is now a nice white and pink.
-- Madeline M., Maine
DEAR READER: So nice to hear. It can take a while, but patience is a virtue.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
Weekend on 10/27/2016