Common mistakes parents often make with their picky eaters and ways to help easily remedy the situation.

Ask any parent and they will likely tell you they have gone through the “picky eating” stage with their child. From only wanting white or bland foods to thinking eggs are too slimy to loving potatoes one day and throwing them on the floor the next, it can be simply draining. Add in work, other children, and school, and meal times can become a disaster. Parents are trying to do their best, but it can feel impossible. In this article, we will cover common mistakes parents of picky eaters make and how to best avoid making them in the future with your little one. 

Only offering the same foods: The “safe foods” you know he won’t fuss about. Not only does this limit exposure, it does not encourage your little one to be adventurous. Even putting food on his plate he is not used to every night can work wonders! Expose, expose, expose!

Giving up on a food after only one or two trials: It can take up to 15 times for a person to decide if they “like” a food. And the person in this instance is a toddler, which makes it even harder! Remember, your child is new to this. Food feels unfamiliar as do tastes and sensations. Just because something is spit out once or twice should not be a reason to stop. Exposure is key!

Expecting your small human to eat large portions: Your little one is just that! He does not need a ton of food. Trying and tasting should be celebrated, even if it is a small amount.

Giving large bites of new foods: As mentioned earlier, these are new sensations, and your toddler is small. If you are trying an avocado, for example, I would expect him to spit out a large bite! Work on dipping your spoon in this new food; get him to eat a small bite for several nights in a row and progressively increase the size as he gets used to the taste, texture, and flavor. And be sure to give praise as he does it, even in tiny amounts: “I love how you tasted that avocado! I can’t wait to see you do it again tomorrow.”

Getting frustrated or impatient: It happens to the best of us! Having a picky eater can be one the most anxiety-producing family stressors. But he will be able to feel your stress and feed off of it, making mealtimes worse and creating problems in the future. Take a break, take a breath, and never let anxiety rule at the dinner table. Keep things positive and reassuring.

Not looking for a medical cause for the picky eating: Sure, picky eating is developmental, and all kids go through it. But if it seems like it is something harder to deal with and he is not outgrowing it, look to have a conversation with your doctor to rule anything out. All the tips and therapy in the world will not help if there is an underlying medical issue at hand. Is your child constipated? If food is not coming out, it will not go in. Does your child have reflux? Pain and eating do not mix well. Does your toddler have undiagnosed allergies? Allergies (some that we cannot even see) are a common cause of feeding issues. Seeking a medical cause for more severe picky eating is very important and cannot be overlooked. 

Not seeking professional help when it is needed: Sometimes, picky eating cannot be dealt with by Mom and Dad at home. When your child has significant picky eating concerns that limit his social interactions, health, weight, growth, and/or development, it is time to reach out to a professional for either parental coaching or therapy for your child.