How to win the battle with picky eaters

How to win the battle with picky eaters


Is this a familiar scene at your home? You’ve prepared a healthy meal for your family only to have your child and refuse to even take a bite. The mealtime battles of wills is underway.

New research shows parents need to get an earlier start if they hope to set good eating habits in their children. Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that by age 4, children are largely set in their ways and the more parents try to control and restrict their children’s diets, the more finicky they may become.

The researchers followed more than 300 mother-child pairs over a four-year period and found the pickiest eaters often were associated with increased pressure from parents to eat certain foods. Children who were pickier had mothers who reported more limits on unhealthy foods and sweets.

While still advising parents to encourage varied diets at young ages, the study suggests other strategies. For example, seeing a sibling or another child at day care eat the food may be more persuasive than watching an adult eat it. Try combining a disliked food with a liked food. Think broccoli with ranch dressing.

Try to understand the root of the picky eating. Your child may just be anxious about trying new things, including food. Be patient, remember that it can take a kid five to 10 times of trying a new food to determine if they like it.

Stay calm. Unless a medical professional raises concerns about your child’s diet, try not to worry. This interaction is a window into your relationship with your child. Remember, mealtimes should be moments to bond. With the right approach, you and your child may one day discover a shared dislike of cauliflower. Hey, it’s a start!

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