How to manage fussy eating in children
Meal times can be a source of real stress for parents of ‘fussy eaters’. With more meal times being spent at home with the family at the moment, it is the perfect opportunity to improve behaviours around meal times for children.
Here’s my top tips:
– Offer healthy foods to your child at regular intervals- children thrive on routines.
– Eat together as a family whenever possible (without TV/distractions) and try to keep the atmosphere calm and positive.
– Don’t offer treat foods as a reward as it builds the idea that some foods are more desirable than others
– Remember that children often need to be offered a food >15 times before they accept it! Don’t assume your child doesn’t like a certain food because they refuse it the first few times.
– Remember that children often need to be offered a food >15 times before they accept it! Don’t assume your child doesn’t like a certain food because they refuse it the first few times.
– Make food fun! Explore different coloured vegetables and fruits together at the store or even in the garden if you try growing your own! Let younger children hold, feel, lick and familiarise themselves with new foods without the pressure of needing to eat it
– Role model good food behaviours- seeing you enjoying healthy foods is the biggest encouragement. Try not to say negative things if you don’t like a certain food
– Try to have the whole family eating the same thing. Avoid preparing special meals for your child.
– Try to have the whole family eating the same thing. Avoid preparing special meals for your child.
– Children above the age of 1yo should NOT be having >500mL of milk per day. Too much can decrease their appetite for other foods and can lead to iron deficiency
– Give your child some independence and control over their meals. Your job is to provide food at regular intervals and create a positive environment at meal times. Allow your child to choose how much (if any!) to eat. Never force feed them.
– If you’re following the above tips, try not to stress about the quantity your child is eating too much. Remember that a healthy child won’t starve themselves. Its useful to look at your child’s intake over a couple of weeks overall rather than meal by meal.
If you’re struggling or worried about your child’s weight gain/general health, your GP can provide you with more specific guidance, don’t hesitate to ask.
If you’re struggling or worried about your child’s weight gain/general health, your GP can provide you with more specific guidance, don’t hesitate to ask.