Parental Depression May Cause Children To Be Picky Eaters, New Study Suggests

A new study reported on Feb. 24 suggests that parents suffering from anxiety or depression are more likely to have problems with their kids being picky eaters. Researchers from Erasmus MC-University Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands published their findings on this link between parental depression and their child's behavior towards food.

In an article published by BT.com, based on the study made by Dutch researchers, children are at risk of being fastidious eaters if one of their parents is showing indications of anxiety. It is easy for children to notice and pick up their parent's energy if they are trying to internalize some deep issues.

About 4,700 children that were born from 2002 to 2006 were the ones used by these scientists along with their parents for this particular research. Both the parents were asked to fill out a form with different questions pertaining to their level of anxiety and depression while they were pregnant and also after their child has reached their third birthday. A separate form was made for mothers to fill out involving their child's behavior before they turn three.

The result came out stating that 30% of kids are bound to be picky eaters as soon as they reach the age of three. Meanwhile, mothers who showed signs of anxiety or depression mid-pregnancy and before their kids reach three are more likely to be at risk of having children who are picky eaters. Moreover, a father who showed signs of depression and anxiety during their kid's preschool years are also prone to having 4-year-old toddlers who are so difficult to be fed.

One of the researchers said, "We observed that maternal and paternal internalizing problems were prospectively associated with fussy eating in preschoolers."

Indian Express wrote that having kids who are picky eaters is a serious issue that needs to be fixed because it could result to them having weight problems, eating disorders and digestive issues like constipation just to name a few. As parents, it is important to consult a therapist to deal with your anxiety. You could try meditation to be relieved from depression. Do it especially if you know that you are about to have a baby soon.