Most parents are no stranger to the picky eating phase, which is most common in children age one to six years. Picky eating is often characterized by an individual who dislikes many types of foods or eats from a limited food list, causing some parents to resort to making separate meals for children.
If you have a picky eater at home, you might find yourself concerned about nutritional intake. Many parents appreciate the reminder that their children are likely still getting a varied nutritional diet when looking at the week as a whole. However, it helps to be prepared to encourage your picky eater to consume a greater variety of foods.
Change it up: If your child doesn’t like a particular food or won’t try it, try changing how you prepare it. For example, many children dislike steamed vegetables but enjoy snacking on them raw.
Get them involved: Your child might be more likely to try a new food if they have helped to prepare it themselves. You can also have your child pick out a new fresh food at the grocery store to try so they will be excited to sample their choice.
Be patient: It may take many attempts for your child to try a new food. Avoid forcing or bribing, because it encourages a power struggle and can make mealtimes stressful for everyone involved. You can also try to recognize that your child just might not be hungry enough to eat much. It is not uncommon to forget that children do not have the same appetite that adults do.
Be predictable: A little structured predictability can go a long way. Always try to have snacks and meals at the same time every day, so that your child will be more likely to be hungry around those times. Consistently start by serving small portions, and offer at least one item on the plate that you know your child likes.
The picky eating phase can be considered severe if it begins to interfere with family life and can sometimes indicate other issues, like anxiety. If you are concerned, talk to your child’s pediatrician. Your child’s doctor will evaluate your child’s growth and look for any deficiencies, and can also offer tips for supplements, if needed.