Many children are known for their selective eating habits. While this is a typical phase of childhood development, it can often leave parents feeling frustrated and challenged, especially when they hear stories of little ones who seem to devour everything in sight, including broccoli seconds. But here’s the essential point: fussy eating is usually not about the food itself, and it’s not about you. It’s primarily about your child’s desire for independence.
If you are dealing with a picky eater at home, we’re here to share some valuable tips on navigating this phase. But first, let’s talk a bit more about fussy eating.
Children often have strong opinions about the shape, colour, or texture of certain foods. You might notice that your child enjoys a particular food one day but rejects it the next. They might refuse to try new foods and exhibit unpredictable eating habits. While this can perplex parents, it’s a vital part of a child’s developmental journey. It’s their way of exploring their world and asserting their independence. Plus, their appetites fluctuate as they grow and become more active.
The good news is that fussy eating is typically a phase children grow out of. As they get older, their tastes evolve, and they no longer feel the need to exert such control over their food. Eventually, family meals can return to a semblance of normality.
Now, let’s discuss making mealtimes more enjoyable and less stressful for you and your child.
Tips for Stress-Free Mealtimes:
- Create a happy, regular, and social atmosphere during mealtimes. Don’t stress about spills or messes on the table.
- Never force your child to eat a particular food.
- Set realistic expectations. Encourage your child to take small steps, like licking a new food, and gradually try a mouthful. Always praise your child for their efforts, no matter how small.
- If your child is fussy, try to minimize your attention to it, as focusing on it can reinforce their behaviour.
- Make healthy foods fun. Get creative by cutting sandwiches into interesting shapes or involving your child in meal preparation.
- Turn off the TV to encourage family members to engage in conversation.
- Limit mealtime to about 20 minutes. If your child has not eaten in that time, remove the food, but only offer more until the next scheduled meal or snack time.
- Introduce new foods alongside familiar ones, allowing your child to touch, smell, or take a small taste.
- Make the food visually appealing by offering a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes. Let your child choose what they want to eat.
- Don’t give up easily. Keep offering foods that have been refused before. It can take multiple attempts before a child is willing to try a previously rejected food.
Sometimes, children refuse food to see how you’ll react. Remember that this behaviour is part of their social, intellectual, and emotional development.
Now, let’s talk about introducing new foods to picky eaters.
Introducing New Foods to Picky Eaters:
- Encourage your child to share meals and snacks with other children whenever possible. Peer influence can make them more willing to try new foods.
- Serve your child the same meal as the rest of the family but in a portion size suitable for them. Sometimes, children need to take cues from their parents, who can playfully express how delicious the food is.
- Avoid letting your child fill up on drinks, snacks, or treats before introducing new foods. Hunger can make them more receptive to trying something new.
Lastly, let’s address punishments and rewards in the context of fussy eating.
Punishments and Rewards:
Punishing your child for refusing new foods can create a negative association with them. Instead, you can offer the same food at another time.
It might be tempting to offer food treats as a reward for eating healthy options, such as “If you eat your vegetables, you can have a biscuit.” However, this can inadvertently make your child more interested in treats than nutritious food. Ultimately, it’s essential to establish house rules that promote healthy eating.
If you’re concerned that your child’s limited diet affects their growth and well-being, consult your GP or health visitor. It’s essential to ensure your child gets the nutrition they need to thrive.
Remember, fussy eating is a phase that most children outgrow, and with patience and a positive approach, you can guide your child toward a more balanced and varied diet.
