Home » Categories » Health » Diet » What to do with a fussy eater

Posted Sunday, January 13, 2008
View All Blog Posts submitted by Creative

Let them starve....The end

 

oops no, that's not the reply I meant to publish.

 

Fussy eaters, whether they be children or adults are the height of annoyance. I am not a fussy eater. I am not sure whether this is due to being raised with the old 'eat it or you go without' discipline or just the fact I generally like food, all food, except fish eggs -bleuh (and olives, and tongue, and.....) Well I guess I do after all have an extensive list of dislikes but they are generally not on the mainstream menu so I can still pass as a non fussy eater.

 

I dated a fussy eater once. He was strictly limited to chips and beetroot. For Christmas dinner one year this is exactly what he ate. When we went to a nice restaurant, he'd order a meal and then leave everything except the fries. I would clear my plate and look like a proper porker next to him.

Imagine how annoying that after he's lived this way for 21 years that now he eats a regular diet for his new girlfriend. I am assuming she gave him the old discipline!

 

Gripes aside, when children become fussy eaters (and they all do at some point!) it can be frustrating and worrying as they can be very stubborn at times. No parent wants to see their child go to bed hungry but we also don't want to give into what seems like a battle of wills. There are a few ways of overcoming fussy eater syndrome. Here are a few I've tried from time to time:

 

If there is something you want them to eat but can't persuade them to, my tips is don't give up. When you feed this item to the rest of the family, always give the child the same but in a smaller quantity. Don't apply pressure about whether they eat it or not, but know that one day they might just surprise you and eat it. My children have gone on and off and then back on foods that now I never say 'they don't like..' I just carry on and include all food in their diet, ready for the days when they decide they 'like it' again.

 

If you child must snack between meals, I would never give them anything that may spoil their dinner time appetite. Fruit may be a good light and healthy substitute. Being hungry at mealtime is always a good guarantee they will be more up for trying new foods and eating what they have.

 

Creating a  buffet style meal is great for encouraging them to eat a variety of foods. Children love this picnic style menu and often will choose themselves to put an item from every food group on their plate. Dipping type foods are also good in this setting.

 

Ask your child why they don't like a certain food, they may surprise you with the reason. Ie too hard to chew, too slimy, a horrible smell, color etc. Once you know why they do not like it, you might be able to make it more palatable for them!

 

If you have any more ideas of how to encourage a fussy child to eat, let me know. It can be an ongoing battle!