It’s no secret that proper nutrition is important for preschoolers, so for parents, having a picky eater can be anxiety-inducing. Of course, you want them to develop a healthy relationship with food and make good choices, but what if your preschooler only wants chicken nuggets or macaroni and cheese?
Fussy or picky eaters are often born from power struggles, because they sense how important nutrition is to their parents. Preschoolers are beginning to learn control over their actions, including what they eat or don’t eat, which can turn mealtimes into negotiations (eat the peas and then you can have dessert!)
The good news is that pickiness is common in young children, and they normally outgrow it. However, developing the wrong relationship with food, and adamantly avoiding new foods could lead to health consequences such as Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
So, what steps can you take to make meal and snack times healthier and more productive?
If you have concerns about your preschooler’s eating, it is always wise to discuss the situation with your pediatrician who can make certain evaluations and suggestions. Even if they are just going through a phase, the old adage of “better to be safe than sorry” rings true here.
Most often, with a little patience, persistence, and some creativity, you can help bring your preschooler out of that picky eating phase and into some healthy habits!
Also, discover ways to make your preschooler a more independent eater here.