Is Your Child a Picky Eater? Here’s What You Need to Know.
Many parents find that their children go through phases of picky eating, where no matter what is offered, their child refuses to eat it. It can be especially frustrating when a food they loved yesterday is suddenly deemed “yucky,” or when a fruit bowl full of bananas goes untouched. For some families, however, picky eating isn’t just a phase—it can become an ongoing challenge that causes considerable stress at mealtimes. Parents often feel overwhelmed trying to provide a nutritious and varied diet while navigating their child’s food preferences.
What Is Picky Eating?
Picky eating refers to a limited or selective range of foods that a child is willing to eat, often involving strong aversions to certain textures, tastes, or food types. In some cases, picky eating can be linked to sensory issues with food, such as how it feels in the mouth or how it’s presented on the plate. Children might express resistance to new or disliked foods through verbal refusal, gestures, or even behaviours like gagging or avoiding the food altogether. This can create a challenging dynamic within the family, causing stress and anxiety for both children and caregivers (Wolstenholme et al., 2020).
Why Do Some Children Become Picky Eaters?
There are many reasons why some children develop picky eating habits. Children might struggle with certain food textures, tastes, or temperatures. Others might be influenced by external factors, such as their peers, family culture, or media portrayals of food (Wolstenholme et al., 2020). Interestingly, research shows that picky eating is often most noticeable when it comes to fruits and vegetables. Additionally, children are more likely to eat a healthy variety of foods if they see their parents modelling those habits (Taylor et al., 2018). Children who see their caregivers enjoying fruits and vegetables are more likely to develop similar eating habits.
The way parents respond to picky eating also plays a crucial role. Positive strategies, such as allowing children some control over their food choices, can reduce the likelihood of continued fussy eating (Wolstenholme et al., 2020).
Signs of Picky Eating in Children
While picky eating is most common around the age of 3, there are earlier signs that may indicate a child is prone to being a fussy eater. These signs can include:
- Early feeding patterns in the child’s first year of life
- How parents respond to their child’s attempts to feed themselves
- The eating habits of the parents themselves
There isn’t a single cause for picky eating; rather, it’s the result of multiple factors that can influence a child’s food preferences (Taylor et al., 2018).
When Should You Be Concerned?
If your child is a picky eater, it’s usually not a cause for panic. However, if you’re concerned that your child’s picky eating is affecting their health, growth, development, or overall wellbeing, it’s important to seek advice from a health professional (Taylor et al., 2018).
How Can You Help Your Picky Eater at Home?
There are several strategies you can try at home to encourage your child to expand their food preferences. Remember these key tips:
- Be mindful of portion sizes: Especially if your child is young, smaller portions can make meals feel less overwhelming.
- Introduce new foods gradually: Keep offering unfamiliar foods in small amounts and regularly.
- Avoid using food as a reward: This can create unhealthy associations with eating.
- Model healthy eating habits: Regularly eat fruits and vegetables in front of your child to set a good example.
- Limit sugary drinks: Offering more water and limiting sugary, filling drinks helps encourage healthier eating habits.
- Eat together as a family: Share meals with your child and eat the same foods, reinforcing a sense of togetherness and healthy habits.
How Can a Speech Pathologist Help?
If your child continues to struggle with eating, professional support may be helpful. At Perth Speech Therapy, our trained speech pathologists specialize in Responsive Feeding, a therapeutic approach designed to support children who have difficulty with eating. We work with children, both with and without a diagnosis, who struggle with persistent picky eating. Our team can also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure your child receives the most comprehensive care.
If you’re concerned about your child’s eating habits, please reach out to us for support.