It’s common for preschoolers to be picky eaters. Do any of these child behaviors sound familiar?
- Will only eat one or two foods (e.g. peanut butter sandwiches or mac and cheese)
- Only wants food of a certain color
- Refuses to eat food with certain textures
- Resistant to trying new foods
Despite these behaviors, if your child is healthy, growing normally and has plenty of energy to play, your child is likely getting the nutrition needed.
Why it’s normal for a preschooler to be a picky eater
Preschoolers may be picky eaters due to:
- Independence. Your preschooler doesn’t have control over much. Being a picky eater may be an attempt to gain some control and independence, a natural part of development.
- Taste. Adults lose taste buds with age. Children have more taste buds than adults. This can lead to the flavor of food being amplified. Hence, broccoli can taste bitter to a child.
- Temperament. Your child may naturally be more sensitive to a food’s taste, smell or texture due to a temperament trait known as sensitivity.
What to do about picky eating
Here are a few ways to encourage your child to eat a variety of healthy foods without the mealtime battles.
- Offer choices. Let your child decide between two food options.
- Enlist their help. Give your child the opportunity to help prepare a meal. This may create a little more “buy in” if your child feels some ownership of the meal.
- Keep unhealthy foods out of the house. If an unhealthy snack is not in the house, it’s not a choice and saves some battles.
- Continue offering. Keep presenting, not pushing, new and healthy foods. It can take 10 to 15 tries before a child will accept a new food.
- Prepare foods in different ways. If your child wasn’t pleased with the raw carrots you served, try cooking the carrots.
- Use your child’s appetite to your advantage. Introduce new foods as the first thing when sitting down for dinner. If your child is super hungry, your child may be more inclined to try the new food.
- Keep your mealtime routine. Your child may be tired and cranky if mealtime is later than normal. Being overtired can cause your child to be more reluctant to try new foods.
Being a picky eater is usually a passing stage. Continue to guide and encourage your child to make healthy food choices.
If you are concerned about your child’s diet, consult with your child’s health care provider.
Learn more
- Making food interesting for your picky eater
- 8 delicious hidden veggie recipes your kids will love
- Video: Try new foods with the cracker stacker
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Posted In Children's, Family Medicine, Nutrition, Parenting
