What To Do About Picky Eaters
Does your child seem to survive on only yogurt and cheese? Does she turn her head in disgust when you even mention the word broccoli? Many parents struggle to ensure that their children eat a variety of nutrient rich foods. Some children grow out of the “picky eater” phase, while others become malnourished adults. Why do some children have such intense food aversions, and what can parents do to convince their children to eat healthily?
Most food aversions are due to sensory preferences. Children may dislike certain textures or smells and refuse to eat foods based on those preferences. Sometimes color is an issue. This is common among children with autism spectrum disorders as they tend to have sensory integration problems. More serious cases of food aversions are present among children with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. These children often obsess over the way food is prepared, and they may fear contamination. Some children will only eat when food is presented in a preferred way. Some insist that none of their foods are touching, while others prefer for everything to be mixed together. It can be a struggle for parents to learn about each child’s preferences and to accommodate a whole family.
First and foremost, you want to avoid power struggles when it comes to food. When children fear they will be forced to eat foods they dislike, they begin to experience anxiety and frustration around mealtime. They may refuse to eat all together. Try presenting foods they already like alongside some new ones. Encourage them to try a small bite of the new food and don’t push them to have more. Since most children dislike bitter foods, pair sweet dipping sauces with vegetables to help them get used to eating vegetables. It takes patience, but over time most children will expand their tastes at least somewhat. It can also be helpful to include your child in grocery shopping and food preparation. The vegetable isle display is visually stimulating and perhaps a healthy food item will catch your child’s eye.
If you have tried these tips and still cannot get your child to eat, you will have to be creative. Many parents successfully blend vegetables into their child’s favorite soups or casseroles without them even knowing it. TheSneakyChef.com provides recipes for foods such as a chocolate cookie cake that includes carrots, oranges, and flaxseed as ingredients. Pancake batter is another food that parents can easily sneak fruit or vegetables in to. And it’s OK for breakfast foods to be served at dinnertime and vice versa. As long as your child is eating healthily, who cares what time of day it is!
According to the Mayo Clinic, parents should avoid presenting dessert as a reward for eating. When children perceive dessert as the best part of the meal, they often begin to crave sweet foods even more. Desserts like cookies and cake should only occasionally be a part of meals. Redefine dessert to include fruits and healthier options. Most importantly, parents need to model healthy behaviors. Children need to observe their parents eating the fruits and vegetables they are pushing their children to eat. Studies have shown that children are prone to suggestion and tend to like foods more when others describe the foods as tasting good. If you have serious concerns about your child’s nutrition and health, record his food intake for a few days and consult a doctor.
Dr. Jaime Black is a licensed psychologist. In her private practice, Jaime specializes in working with individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum, doing psychotherapy, conducting evaluations, and facilitating various social skills groups. www.spectrumservicesnyc.com. JaimeBlackPsyD@gmail.com. (914)712-8208.
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