5 Meal Tips for Parents of Fussy Eaters
The world is filled with parents of picky eaters, the struggle is real. Every mealtime, a battle commences, but it doesn’t need to be a war. Plenty of children grow out of this, even though it may feel like that will never be true and it doesn’t help much in the thick of it. So, when you are facing the day with meal conundrums and a child who just wants biscuits, what can you do? These five tips are here to help.
The Emotional Link
When the kids sit down for dinner, it feels like the perfect opportunity to grab five minutes to yourself. However, one of the best things you can do for a picky eater is to sit with them during food time. It will help them to feel safe and let them know they’re not alone with their struggles. For example, say you have a child on a short term foster care placement that needs a bit of extra support. This is a typical situation where the child in question may have issues with eating tied to a very real, emotional response to their current circumstances. It’s your job to be present and show them a safe space where they can explore what they’re feeling in other avenues instead.
Make it Look Fun
Presentation is key. If the only day they eat a full meal this week is the day you arranged the food on the plate to look like a smiley face, so be it. That is an achievement unto itself. Get creative and don’t be afraid to make it fun.
Get them Cooking Too
If they are given the chance to join in with the cooking, they might be more inclined to eat the result. Plus, it is a great bonding activity and a learning experience too. Cooking together might be messy, but the rewards speak for themselves.
Lead the Way with Good Examples
Show your kids how to eat by being the example. Children look up to their parents and seek out guidance from them by observing everything that they do and trying to copy it in a number of contexts. So, eat that broccoli right in front of them and rave about how delicious it is, and model appropriate food choices. Never make them eat things they find disgusting, as this can create toxic eating habits that are hard to undo.
Make Sure There’s Nothing Bigger Going On
Sometimes, they don’t want to eat certain food types because it makes them feel off, just like adults. They might not have the communication skills developed yet to tell us, so they act out by refusing to eat it. If there are certain, continuous grievances, it is worth investigating further especially if a pattern of avoidance is established. Trigger foods for allergies and intolerances vary but there are some common culprits.
1. Eggs
2. Dairy products such as milk
3. Wheat
4. Gluten
5. Yeast
Fussy eaters don’t have to be the end of family mealtimes. There are always ways around it, and sometimes it is just a question of waiting until the behaviour loses steam. Regardless, it is unlikely that your child will ever go without, and you are a great parent for trying to be innovative and help them.