How to Handle Picky Eaters at the Holiday Table Without Frustration

Picky Eating Picky eater Lee Gibson Tanya Altmann American Academy of Pediatrics AAP Dina Rose Elizabeth Murray

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Nov 30, 09:51 am

Holidays are usually spent with loved ones and friends; however, the occasion that is supposed to be a joyful time could be marred, especially when your child suddenly refuses a particular food and becomes a picky eater, per Parents.

Being frustrated when your child refuses to eat your mother-in-law's specialty or the pie made by their aunt is normal for parenting. Even worse is when a specific relative or family suddenly shares their ideas on handling picky eaters.

During the meal, some might say that way back then, they couldn't leave the table until they finished everything on their plate.

As a parent, you must first know why your child is a picky eater; it might be because they feel pressured, have early feeding difficulties, and more. You should exert an effort first before shouting at your child in front of loved ones and relatives.

Lee Gibson, Ph.D., a director of the Clinical and Health Psychology Research Centre at the University of Roehampton in London and a reader in biopsychology, says picky eating is normal in juveniles.

Parents should refrain from imposing a specific rule as it can appear as overreacting and might discourage picky eaters from being counterproductive.

Inform your kids what to expect

If you are worried about what others might say or conclude, you can talk to them in advance to discuss your methods or food that your kids don't eat; so as not to leave a bad impression.

Since you're already aware that your child is a picky eater, talk to them about the available food they might see on the table.

Try not to set the bar high, as holiday meals have a lot of distractions. Your child might easily be distracted from what others are doing. Thus, instead of hovering over your child's plate and nagging them to try new foods, why not avoid pressuring your child as they will try new foods if they want to.

Dr. Tanya Altmann explains that if picky eating means not sustaining enough nutrition due to being selective, such a condition can gradually lead to short and long-term nutrient deficiencies, among many other problems, NBC News reported.

How to handle it without frustration?

To avoid frustration while handling the situation, try to avoid doing things according to your will. Parents can only sometimes say to try these, but some kids will prefer something other than eating such.

Nevertheless, Altmann, spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, says young kids must develop a healthy relationship with food, especially at a young age.

Children who don't establish a healthy relationship with food might experience weight problems and eating disorders later in life.

Dina Rose, Ph.D., a sociologist and author of "It's Not About the Broccoli," says that when a child refuses to eat a particular food and parents put pressure on them to consume such food, it eventually becomes a negative experience.

Fortunately, kids will eventually outgrow this phase. According to data published by the Washington Post, studies determined that picky eating ranges from 14-50 percent in preschool while 7-27 percent in older kids.

Elizabeth Murray, a pediatrician, told People and assured parents that picky eating is not permanent.