Written by Paris Kazemian
As a dietitian, I frequently hear parents express their concerns about their picky eater kids habits. It’s not uncommon for children to be selective about the foods they eat as they go through various stages of development and strive for autonomy. However, some children are more resistant to trying new foods and will only eat a limited variety of items.
So, what can parents do to address this issue?

picky eaters

What does it mean to be a ‘picky eater’

A picky eater is someone who is a selective eater and tends to avoid trying new foods or has a limited range of foods they are willing to eat. Picky eaters may have strong preferences or aversions to certain tastes, textures, colours, or smells of food, which can make it difficult for them to enjoy a wide variety of foods. Picky eating habits can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, sensory issues, cultural or social factors, and past negative experiences with certain foods.

Picky eating begins in childhood

The behaviour of picky eating is a persistent habit that can begin early in childhood and continue into later years. A recent study of children between the ages of 4 to 9 revealed that children who exhibited picky eating tendencies at a young age tended to maintain this behaviour. It is therefore essential for parents to take preventive measures early on, preferably before their child turns two, to avoid picky eating habits. This can be achieved by providing a diverse range of foods, particularly a variety of fruits and vegetables, and avoiding preparing separate meals for children. It is best to let the child eat what the rest of the family is having, with the exception of foods that pose a choking hazard. This approach is most effective when parents model adventurous eating habits themselves, by being open to trying different foods.

The role of temperament

In some cases, picky eating can be linked to underlying behavioural issues rather than being a standalone problem. The research suggests that children who struggle with regulating their emotions are more likely to exhibit picky eating habits. If a child’s picky eating is accompanied by behavioural challenges, parents should consult a doctor for further guidance. Just like physical health issues, it is crucial to address behavioural health concerns early on to prevent any potential negative impact on the child’s well-being. It’s essential to prioritize both the child’s physical and mental health, and taking early action can be beneficial for their overall development.

Picky eaters are usually not underweight

Compared to children who are less selective about their food, picky eaters are often leaner. However, this does not necessarily indicate an unhealthy weight, unless a paediatrician expresses concern about a child’s weight. Therefore, parents should not worry about their picky child’s weight unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional.

Another factor is parenting

According to the study, if parents impose strict rules about the types of foods their child can eat or have high expectations regarding their child’s eating habits, it may increase the likelihood of picky eating. It’s possible that this is a chicken-and-egg situation, where the child’s selective eating habits lead parents to prioritize healthy or high-calorie foods and insist that their child finish them. While this is done with good intentions, it can exacerbate the problem of picky eating.

Being optimistic is the key!

Picky eating may be related to negative associations and memories about certain foods or eating in general. To encourage a positive attitude towards food, parents can try the following tips:

Bottom line

If you are still having difficulty, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your dietitian  on how to address picky eating. It is important to remember that picky eating is a typical stage in a toddler’s development. Therefore, it is necessary to patiently lead them towards healthy eating.


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5 Responses

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  2. Thank you for your kind words about the writeup. I’m glad you found it enjoyable. I’m also looking forward to sharing more content that you’ll find agreeable in the future. If you have any questions or want to communicate further, feel free to reach out. We can communicate through this platform or via email if you prefer.

  3. my mistake was using food as a reward or punishment. This can create unhealthy relationships with food and reinforce picky eating behaviors

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