9 Positive ways to handle picky eater in children

Every parent has a unique mealtime experience with their children, every day. 

But then, there are days when we wonder:

“When did my child become fussy about food?” 

“Is my little one a picky eater?”

“Why have mealtimes become a hassle?”

This happens at everyone’s dinner table at some point in the growing-up years.

Worry not!

In this article, we will journey through picky eating, why kids can be picky eaters, how to handle them, and what not to tell them. 

What is picky eating?

Picky eating is when someone or a child is reluctant to try new food, eat the required portion, or has a strong preference for the food they will eat.

Fussy eating is often displayed in the early years, as a child explores the world around them and begins to assert their independence.

Research shows that picky eating is common during childhood. There is also an understanding that children grow out of this trait. Also, picky eaters are likely to remain picky if it is not addressed at the onset. 

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This doesn’t mean we as parents set strict rules, but address this in such a manner that mealtime, food, and eating are in a positive light.

Before we explore the different ways, let’s understand which type of fussy eater is your child?

Types of picky eaters

From avoiding vegetables to chomping on cheese, kids have their reasons for being picky. 

Sometimes, their excuse can be as simple as:

"Broccoli looks like the Hulk and I don't want to eat!" or "I don't like the name 'butter' and so I don't want any butter on my toast!"

The Independent-minded eater

These children are often decisive about their eating habits — they know what they want to eat and what they don’t want. They assert their independence in a manner that can be unnerving

The proud non-eater

These children take pride in not eating, which often leads their parents to shrug. In some children, especially between the ages of 2 and 4, this could be their fear of trying out new tastes. They tend to throw a tantrum when it is mealtime.

The make-an-excuse eater

These children love to make an excuse about why they don’t want to eat. They may choose to eat but definitely after making a lot of excuses! Parents can become exasperated by this. 

The dairy eater

Yes, these children use milk or dairy as a substitute for eating. This could be because they have been fed milk during mealtime or before mealtime — not the milk in cereal!

The attention eater

These children generally are not fussy about eating their food, but about attention from their parents. So, when parents settle down with them to eat and talk to them, they eat better. Otherwise, there is a tantrum in the waiting!

Generally, when we as parents insist that children finish their plate without negotiating, it can affect their approach to eating, right?

So, how can we handle this habit of fussy eating without negatively impacting their relationship with food?

9 positive ways to handle picky eater

1) Start early 

By the time your child turns 2, it is better to have introduced them to fruits and vegetables. Also, different tastes and textures. So, make the same thing you are eating for your little one.

This eases them into mealtime. Ensure there is no choking hazard. Allow them to play and eat their food. 

2) Make an offer

This works if your child is older and has already a preference on what they want to eat. Give them 2 or 3 vegetable options to choose from for the meal.

It is time to negotiate and then put your foot down. Eg: “Please choose between carrots, spinach, and beans?”; etc.

When you make an offer, this makes them feel that they are helping you plan the mealtime. This can reduce their fussiness towards food. If they do have a tantrum, talk to them about it.

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