Picky Eaters and Problem Feeders

One of the frequently voiced concerns of parents of young children is about food.  There is a difference between picky eaters and problem feeders. 

Picky eaters are choosy.  They tolerate about 40 different foods.  They may seem to not be able to get enough of a certain food and then they will stop eating that food only to pick it up again later.  If you think you have a picky eater, just be patient and they will cycle around to foods you thought they were done with forever.  Also, don't be sneaky about their food.  If you are diluting their juice, let them see you do it so they don't get suspicious about what you are doing.  They may cut that food out forever, if they are worried about what you are doing.

Problem feeders tolerate less than 40 foods, and like picky eaters, they may go on a food jag, but when they stop eating that food, they will never pick it up again.  This whittles down your options of what to feed your child.

Don't be too concerned if your child doesn't eat a good dinner.  Look at a child's diet over a weeks time - not by each meal or even a day at a time.  Look at the whole child to determine health - weight, skin, eyes, energy level, hair, etc.  Also, consider portion sizes.  Make a fist - the size of your fist is about the size of your stomach.  Look at the difference between the size of your fist and the size of your child's stomach.  Make sure you are giving your child portions that are the right size for them - not the right size for you.

Here are some ideas to help your child eat healthier:

• Watch the sugar intake - avoid the sugar roller coaster.  The occurs about 2 hours after eating sugar.  The child will become angry and hungry.
• Give your child the gift of hunger - at least 2 hours between meals and snacks.
• If you are trying to get your child to eat more, give food first and then liquid.  
• Consider that it generally takes 21 presentations of a new food to get used to it.  Keep offering, but don't pressure.  Most children will try a new food once they are aquainted with it.
• Many children are starving for outside play.  Outdoor play increases appetite and also provides health benefits from fresh air and sunshine.
• Let your child have fun with food.  Read a book that incorporates food and then serve those foods to your child. (Hungry Caterpillar or Stone Soup)
• Make edible play dough.  There are a variety of play dough recipes on playdoughrecipe.com.  Make sure the recipe you choose is edible before you let your child take a bite.

At a workshop I attending on mealtime success, a presentation was made regarding Primary Foods and Secondary Foods.  Primary Foods need to be taken care of first and include physical activity (outdoor play), relationships (taking turns, playing with family and friends), imaginary play, and self care (doing chores or choosing activities).  Secondary foods are the actual foods that your child will eat.  We have to take care of Primary Foods first if we want our children to eat a healthy diet.  Remember - There is not enough broccoli to make a bad day okay.

If you have more questions or concerns about your child's eating habits, give us a call.