One Yummy Mummy’s 10 tips for feeding fussy eaters

“How do I get my fussy eater to eat?” is one of the top questions I am asked. 

We all go through picky food days, but when it’s day after day, problems can set in and it can get so frustrating for both parent and child.

Picky eating can be worrying, it can affect children’s behaviour, sleep and mood.

If it’s something that has started after a tummy bug, the bug could be lingering around. 

Give the child time to get better. If you’re unsure always check with your GP.

When all else looks fine and you feel you have tried everything wipe the slate clean and try out my 10 tips (No smiley faced food involved).

SET MEALS: Try to have set meal times. Have three meals a day and two snacks, and avoid grazing throughout the day.

NO TELLY: Turn off distractions and parents put away your phone at meal times. Do a countdown before meal times!  Tell your little one dinner is going to be in 10 minutes so the child knows what’s coming next.

FAMILY TIME: Try to sit down as a family as often as you can. I know it’s not possible all of the time, but when you can do it then try, with everyone eating the same meal.

TIMING: Don’t rush meal times, it needs to be enjoyable for the child. Imagine having your morning coffee in a coffee shop and the waitress saying to you, “come on hurry up!” It’s not a very enjoyable experience. Also, expect mealtimes to last around 25 minutes or so. Don’t drag it out.

PRAISE: Don’t reward with sugary treats, reward with a game or a trip to the park.

LIMIT JUICE: Try not to let the child fill up on juice or milk throughout the day. Milk is meant to be enjoyed with a meal, not be the meal. Ideally a toddler (two-year-old) should drink roughly two cups of milk a day. Offer water instead of juice.

NO FUSS: Try not to make a fuss (one fussy person at the table is enough) and stay calm, but be a matter of fact about it; “Yes, we eat our dinner to give us energy and to help us grow”.

LANGUAGE: Try not to use phrases like, “you don’t leave the table until you’re finished”. Always try phases like, “good boy/girl, stay at the table, you’re doing a great job”.

PORTIONS: Offer small portions and a varied diet. Avoid plain pasta, noodles or potatoes, and always put the full meal on the plate. Introduce new flavours all the time. There are some foods kids just don’t have a taste for, accept that, don’t force it, and encourage all of the time.

 

INVOLVEMENT: Get the kids involved and make the food tasty (if you wouldn’t eat it your self don’t serve it to your kids). Pick out recipes together and cook. They are not guaranteed to eat it but they will give it a shot. It will be good bonding time if nothing else and always keep calm, don’t give up.

Tomorrow is another day!