How to deal with a picky eater?
“Picky” eating is when an individual refuses food frequently or eats the same food over and over. It usually peaks in the toddler life when they begin to feed themselves. They can now choose what and how much to eat. Also, through these years of development children are learning tons of new skills therefore by sticking to the same group of ingredients they get consistency and security. If you are dealing with a picky eater here are some tips that may help you.
Check with your doctor for medical issues; constipation, allergies/intolerances, sensory difficulties, to name a few.
If you want to increase your child's repertoire, make a list of food that you eat regularly and that you want to introduce to your child. Consider including first food that your child prefers, in terms of texture, color, and taste.
Carefully record in a diary what your child eats regularly. Observe and analyze his choices. Does he prefer foods of certain colors? Sweet or salty? soft or crunchy?
Place your child's favorite toy/item/dessert on the table so that the child can see it during his meal. Give it to him immediately after he has eaten or tasted the offered food.
Remember that it may take up to 10 presentations of the same ingredient before the child shows some interest.
Follow the logical steps for introducing new foods: look, touch, hold, smell, lick, taste, bite off, hold in mouth (even if its 5 sec), chew a small piece, swallow, chew a bigger piece, swallow it all in repeat.
Give your child the opportunity to go through each stage, then, if no progress has been made after 15 to 30 minutes, remove the food, and present him with a tolerated food that he can nourish from.
Feel free to try again. Some children may be willing to try again after a short break, or the next day. Do not give up!
Don't get discouraged by your child's behavior of spitting, vomiting, or other ways of refusal. These are the least pleasant consequences of the process. Remember, proceed slowly and step by step.
What do you need most as parents?
Patience, consistency and above all have confidence in this experience! You will succeed.
Your supervisor can support and guide you through this process. A step-by-step guide and a follow-up plan to complete will be provided to you. This will allow you to analyze the process and make the necessary changes so your children tolerate to different types of food will improve.
Let's improve the quality of life of your child by teaching them to eat in a more diversified way.
Believe in your child and yourself!
