Picky Eating

??????????? As we continue in the holiday season, there are typically more events and activities to go to. Many of these activities may include food or a meal. If your child is a pickier eater, then this can make these events more stressful as you are not sure what your child will eat.? Are you wondering how to make these events less stressful?

??????????? It is important to have some ideas of why your child is a pickier eater as this can help guide how to handle these events. Some children are pickier because they do not enjoy certain food textures so knowing what these are can help guide food choices at events. If it because of other sensitivities, it is important to know what these are so that you can try to help accommodate them.? When there is a sensitivity to certain smells, tastes, or textures, it can help to know what these are so that you can try to help your child find something that they can happily eat. Depending on the severity of this sensitivity, your child may be receiving food therapy for this and they can help to guide you as well.

??????????? Some children are pickier because they are not always sure about trying new foods. They may not want to try these new foods and may be reluctant because they are unsure of what the foods taste like. They may be afraid that they won’t like the new food.? If this is the case, you can talk to your child prior to the event about what foods will be available and what to do if they try something they do not like.? This can provide them with some comfort as they may be concerned that they do not know what to do if they do not like something.

??????????? If a child is a picky eater, you can also work with them at home about trying new foods.? You can base new foods on what they are already eating so that they may be more likely to enjoy a new food. If they can build their liked foods, this can make it easier at events.

??????????? If you know that your child is not going to eat anything at the event, you can decide if you want to feed them prior to the event so that your child may only need or want some snacks or dessert. It is often easier to find snacks or desserts that a child will like than whole meals.? While this may not be your ideal solution, having a hungry child at an event is often not fun or ideal either.? This is deciding what is best for you and your family so that everyone can be as happy as possible.

??????????? Picky eating is something that can be hard to change and it can take some time.? If you work with your child and try to determine their pace, this can make it easier. This most likely means that it won’t happen quickly so you will still need a plan for events.? If you have questions about helping your picky eater or trying to navigate the holidays, feel free to reach out to me or check out my website for more ideas.