Picky Eaters: Tips to Decrease Mealtime Stress
January 13, 2022
Janna Lopez, MS, OTR/L
If you’ve ever eaten a meal with a child, you know that it can be a very stressful time. Picky eating is something that many kids struggle with, but there’s a point where it can become problem feeding. Problem feeding is persistent, and the stress response when offered a new food can be much larger.
Tips & Tricks
If mealtimes are stressful for your family, try these tips to decrease stress:
- Establish a positive and fun transition into mealtime. This can be singing a song, setting the table, or washing hands.
- Talk about your food! Model positive interactions with food so that your child can see your own relationship with food.
- Give your kiddo choices at mealtime, and always include preferred foods when offering non-preferred or new foods.
- If it is age-appropriate, include the child in preparation of meals. This can help increase their comfort level with food and give them positive interactions with you!
- Eat together as a family. As children, we learn a lot from our family and watching them eat is a great way to learn skills.
If you have concerns about your child’s eating habits or difficulties, please visit our website or give us a call at (859) 353-3666 to learn about how we can help. We have Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists who are trained in feeding therapy and would love to help you and your family!
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