By Betsy Clawson, Ph.D., LCP, Behavioral Coordinator
Feeding problems are a frequent issue for children and one that is often underrated by parents and pediatric professionals. Approximately 20% to 50% of toddler and pre-school children are reported to have some meal time problems or to be picky eaters. The percentage increases to 80% of children with identified special needs. These problems can range from a child who requests specific foods to the child who completely refuses to eat any foods/liquids and relies on tube feedings for nutrition.
While there are many causes of feeding problems, here are suggestions to encourage better eating habits with children who are developing strong opinions about what goes on their plate.
Encourage tasting a bite and, if rejected, wait and try another time. Tasting has a more powerful effect on changing a food preference than just looking at a new food. Continue to have a variety of foods at meals and continue to try previously rejected foods. Often 10 or more tries are needed for the child to become willing to accept the new food.
The rest of the meal should include portions of what is being served to the entire family. Avoid becoming a short-order cook and don't prepare extra dishes on demand. If you start making a separate meal for each child, you will get frazzled and resentful, and your child won't expand food preferences.
Big servings can be intimidating. Offer portions that are approximately one-fourth the size of an adult's portion. If your child is still hungry, he or she can always ask for more.
Fighting with your children over what they will and won't eat creates negative feelings about eating, which can lead to even more pickiness. However, it is important to remember to praise your child for good eating practices.
Stay calm; making a scene only encourages this behavior. If a child learns that he or she can push your buttons by rejecting foods, meal time will turn into a battle.
Be careful how you talk about foods. To ensure your child is hungry when it is time to eat, make sure he or she hasn't filled up on too many snacks or drinks in the late afternoon.
Sugary drinks don't offer the nutrition of milk, can lead to diarrhea and fill kids up so they won't eat as much as they need to. Kids who drink too much can seem finicky because they don't have much room in their stomach for food.
Stand-up eaters can become all day snackers who are picky at meal time because they are not hungry. Don't permit continuous nibbling.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the most common cause of non-fatal choking incidents is food. Certain foods are hard for children to chew without a full set of teeth and before mature chewing patterns are established.
The following foods could cause a child to choke:
When your child is ready to try some of these foods, it is important to watch closely when he or she is eating them. Remember, any object that is 1 inch in diameter can plug your child's throat, and objects smaller than that can be inhaled.
