Catherine Lippe, Early Years Nutrition Partnership (EYNP) registered nutrition professional, explains how to deal with picky eaters
Fussy eating in children is common. Around a third of toddlers will experience food refusal, most of which is a completely normal stage of development.
Behaviours can vary hugely and include anything from the refusal of new or unfamiliar foods (food neophobia) to extreme food refusal, where children have an extremely limited number of accepted foods.
Every child is different, and each will need a different approach. Some children, particularly those with more extreme food refusal, may also require input from qualified professionals. However, there are many things practitioners can do to support fussy eaters in a setting:
- Take a no-pressure approach. Putting pressure on a child to eat can backfire and make them more anxious about food. This can then lead to more food refusal. Taking the pressure off and avoiding coercion, bribery or rewards is the best approach. This puts the child at ease and gives them the choice and autonomy to eat and feel more relaxed at mealtimes – a much better frame of mind to move towards food acceptance.
- Be a good role model. Children learn from watching others, and nursery provides a useful environment for them to act as role models. If possible, sit fussy eaters with children who usually eat well so they can observe their peers enjoying foods. Staff are also great role models, and should eat with children if possible.
- Mind your language. Try to forget your own dislikes and preconceptions and avoid making negative comments. It is more useful to make factual observations about the colour, texture or shape of food. These comments help children anticipate what the food might be like, but don’t pressure them to eat it.
- Chat doesn’t have to focus on food. For anxious children, it can help to talk about something else entirely, such as an afternoon activity you have planned.
- Work in partnership with parents. Creating a consistent approach for home and nursery will help children more quickly. Talk to parents about mealtimes at home. With the right support, children will gradually enjoy more and more foods.
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