Picky Eating Is Normal — To a Point
So you think you have a picky eater? Consider the child who eats just one food — a certainfast-food brand of fried chicken nuggets, perhaps — or who always orders sauce on the side. Some children will eat only certain types of food. Others will eat little or nothing at all.
While a lot of young children are finicky about food, they need help when they won’t eat the amount or variety required to keep up their nutritional status.
The good news is they’re not alone. Up to one in four kids has an eating problem in early childhood, and most outgrow that “peanut butter only” phase. However, 1 to 2 percent need professional aid.
Well-meaning parents can promote bad behaviors by, for example, letting kids end a meal by throwing a fit. Parents can help in a number of ways. They can repeatedly expose children to new foods and set a good example.
“With many children, making sure that they have it on their plate helps,” says
Rebecca A. Hazen, PhD, a psychologist at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. “Also important is for parents to practice what they preach. You can’t expect your child to try something new if it’s something you won’t eat yourself.”
Dr. Hazen shares some tips to help convert the picky eater in your home.
Remain calm. In most cases, your child’s behavior is typical.
Don’t force a child to clean his or her plate.
Allow no snacks or juice for at least an hour before meals.
Avoid mealtime wars with kids and don’t engage in arguments about food.
Ignore tantrums.
“Many kids will give them up if they don’t receive attention for them,” says Dr. Hazen. “The key is to remain consistent in ignoring the tantrums.”
Praise good behavior, such as taking a bite of a new food.
Be consistent. Make sure other caregivers follow your lead.
Talk to your child’s doctor if your child’s nutrition is becoming critical, mealtime disruptions have worsened for months, progress has stalled or you’re overwhelmed.