I am Struggling with my Selective Eater, What do I do?
It is common for families, parents, and or caregivers to have a child that is a “picky” eater. “Picky” eater may seem insensitive, so let’s call your child a selective eater. Often times parents and families may ask themselves, what in the world do I do, I have no where else to turn, where do I go? A child may only be eating one color, the same meal every day, or refuse to eat a variety of foods. This causes feelings of stress and frustration. Parents also worry if their child is getting enough nutrients, eating enough, or maybe they are eating too much. Know that you are not alone, and there are resources that may help parents in the process. The purpose of this blog is to identify helpful strategies and tools safe for parents and families to try in their everyday practice for eating.
Remember, it is OKAY to feel stressed, worried, or concerned. You are not the only one that may be feeling this way with your child. A compilation of resources has been gathered ranging from online readings published by health and medical professionals, online support groups for parents, and books/articles to look at for tips on selective eaters. You can do this!
Author’s note: the resources, tools, and strategies provided in this blog should not be followed and referred to as a strict, absolute medical policy alone. It is recommended you consult your primary care physician or developmental pediatrician, speech/feeding therapist, nutritionist, or other medical professionals for guidance.
Resources for Parents: Let’s Get Started!
- When You’re in the Thick of it
A book written by a mother of a selective eater, she explains her story and personal advice handling selective eaters. She offers tips and tricks she has used throughout her time and shares with the reader.
- Mayo Clinic
Online gives tips and tricks for parents as a guide for family members with selective eating habits. Also provides various websites, books, and newsletter products and services accessible at a click.
- The Extreme Picky Eater
For a child who has gone through many therapeutic approaches, various programs, and has failed general strategies, written by authors Katja Rowell and Jenny McGlothin, goes into parent advice, and research digging deeper into strategies for an extreme picky eater.
- Stop Focusing on Food
Book that aims to set up healthy habits that do not JUST focus on food. It looks at eating healthy over time and teaching strategies for habits of appropriate proportion, variety, and moderation for your child.
- 8 Ways to Get Picky Eaters to Become More Adventurous
A resource provided and researched by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Provides tips, tricks, and tools to assist you in laying a foundation for stress free, fun, and adventurous eating habits before the first bite.
References
- Jill Castle. (2015). 9 Awesome Picky Eating Resources You Need to Know About. Retrieved from https://jillcastle.com/preschooler-nutrition/picky-eating-resources/.
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Children’s Nutrition: 10 Tips for Picky Eaters. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/childrens-health/art-20044948.
- WIC Works Resource System U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Picky Eaters. Retrieved from https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/resources/picky-eaters.
