WHY IS MY CHILD A PICKY EATER?
Picky eating can be caused by a variety of reasons from sensory issues, oral motor difficulties, physical issues, and a history of negative food experiences. These factors often snowball together creating a picky eater.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT MY CHILD IN EXPLORING NEW FOODS?
Create a positive mealtime environment. Don’t force your child to eat a food that they don’t want to. This will cause stress. Always offer at least one preferred food at mealtimes.
Gradual exposure: Encourage food play outside of mealtimes.
Positive reinforcement: Praise them for any time they interact with a new food (i.e. touching, smelling, licking, etc).
Offer choices: Give your child options within a meal, such as offering two different vegetables with different textures. This will give them control by making a choice and increases the likelihood they’ll try something new.
Model: Eat the same foods as your child and discuss your observations (smell, color, taste, texture, etc.)
Be consistent and patient!