How Can I Respond To My Child’s Picky Eating?

If your child is a picky eater, you may be wondering what causes picking eating and how to respond. Learn 9 ways to respond to picky eating.

This post is part of our Ask a Child Psychologist series, where we answer anonymized questions submitted by readers like you. This post deals with topics related to picky eating. Please take care when reading.

Is a little one in your life a picky eater? If so, you know how difficult it can be to make sure that they’re getting the nutrition they need, without stress at mealtimes. 

In this blog, which is based on questions submitted to our “Ask a Child Psychologist” form by readers like you, we’ll cover:

Keep reading to learn:

• Is it expected for toddlers to be picky eaters?

• What factors can cause picky eating?

• How can parents prevent picky eating?

• 9 ways to respond to picky eating.

• When to worry about picky eating.

Let’s get started.

Is it expected for toddlers to be picky eaters?

Parents and caregivers may wonder if picky eating is “normal.” Young children go through different phases as they establish eating routines. As kids develop, a degree of picky eating can be typical in the toddler years. 

If you’re worried about your child’s picky eating, it’s valuable to speak to a pediatrician to ensure their nutritional needs are being met, and they’re growing and developing as expected. This visit may include assessment to rule out medical concerns that might be contributing to his picky eating, as well as potential recommendations. 

What causes picky eating in kids?

There are many reasons that children become rigid around eating habits, including but not limited to sensory preferences. If you think that your child’s picky eating may be a sign of a behavioral concern, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician.

How can parents prevent picky eating?

A recent Harvard study found that parents can help prevent picky eating by introducing children to lots of new flavors and textures early. They found that it helps to begin introducing children to a variety of flavors and textures early, even before 2 years old.

9 ways to respond to picky eating

In general, high conflict/power struggle situations are lose/lose for both the parents and child. If you or your little one are interested in strategies to encourage new eating behaviors, here are 9 tips for dealing with a picky eater:

1. Try to have family meals together, and do your best to make it an enjoyable time. Rather than give instructions to eat faster or argue with your son about his taste preferences, make mealtimes positive by having enjoyable conversations about upcoming events, your child’s interests, or how the day went. Shifting the tone of mealtimes will help everyone to feel more satisfied.

2. Allow your child to participate in some portion of meal preparation.

3. Provide choices between two different options.

4. Allow children to have a small portion of preferred food, and then introduce a new food once he begins eating.

5. Offer a new food and then offer it again several times in a row so your child has an opportunity to get used to the taste.

6. Notice if your child avoids food with certain textures. If they do, try other textures.

7. Set firm and clear limits about mealtimes. You may establish a certain amount of time (20-30 minutes) in which everyone will sit at the table and eat, and then remove food when the time is over. 

8. Ideally, avoid snacks between meals (including drinks other than water, unless otherwise directed by a physician). This will help ensure that your child is hungry at mealtimes. Don’t worry if they don’t eat much - they won’t starve and may even eat more when the next meal arrives.

9. Provide frequent praise at mealtimes. Tell your child how proud you are when he takes bites of his food or tries new things.

The Harvard study found that parenting is important, too. Children of parents who are strict or demanding about their child’s eating may be more likely to be picky eaters.

As you navigate picky eating, try to help your child enjoy new foods and don’t let mealtimes become a battle.

When to worry about picky eating?

It’s important to consider nutrition. For example, if your child is only eating peanut butter sandwiches, it’d be valuable to talk with a pediatrician for guidance in this area. And please remember that Little Otter offers evaluation and services for children when additional support is needed.