We often take eating for granted, but for many families, mealtimes can be a source of stress and frustration. Why do some children find eating so challenging while others seem to effortlessly enjoy a variety of foods? Natalie Nicholls, with her Italian heritage and passion for food, has dedicated her work to understanding and helping children develop essential skills, with nutrition playing a pivotal role. After attending a Fussy Eating Conference, she’s sharing her wealth of knowledge to help parents navigate the often-turbulent waters of fussy eating.

Picky vs. Problem Feeders: Understanding the Difference

Nicholls highlights that not all fussy eaters are the same. It’s crucial to differentiate between “picky” eaters and “problem” feeders:

  • Picky Eaters: These children have a decreased range of accepted foods (around 30), may go through food jags, but typically eat at least one food from each food group (protein, puree, fruit/vegetable). They can often tolerate new foods on their plate, even if they don’t immediately eat them. Picky eating is more common in children under two years old, and they can often learn to eat new foods with the right approach.
  • Problem Feeders: These children have a severely restricted diet (less than 20 foods), rarely reintroduce previously “jagged” foods, and often refuse entire textures or food groups like meats and vegetables. They may cry or scream at the sight of new foods and prefer to eat separately from the family. Problem feeding often persists for more than two years.

Nicholls stresses that if your child falls into the “problem feeder” category, seeking intervention from an eating specialist is crucial. The longer the problem persists, the harder it becomes to address, and the more potential damage it can cause to the child’s body. She recommends choosing a child-led, positive reinforcement program.

Debunking Common Myths About Fussy Eating

Many misconceptions surround fussy eating, which can lead to unnecessary stress and ineffective strategies. Nicholls addresses some of the most common myths:

  • Myth: Eating is easy and instinctive.Truth: Eating is an incredibly complex physical task, requiring the coordination of multiple organs and all eight sensory systems. While instinctive for the first month of life, it quickly becomes a learned behavior.
  • Myth: They’ll eat when they’re hungry; they won’t starve themselves. Truth:This oversimplifies the situation. Underlying sensory or physical issues can prevent a child from feeling or responding to hunger cues appropriately.
  • Myth: It’s not appropriate to touch or play with food. Truth: Messy play is an important part of the eating process. It allows children to explore textures and become more comfortable with new foods.
  • Myth: Children should only eat three times a day. Truth: Children need five to six meals a day for proper growth and development.
  • Myth: If a child won’t eat, it’s a behavioral problem. Truth: While behaviour can play a role, 65%-95% of children with feeding problems have a combination of organic (physical) and environmental/behavioural factors.

Practical Tips for Encouraging Healthy Eating

Nicholls offers practical tips to create a more positive and successful eating environment:

  • Postural Stability: Ensure your child has a stable and supported posture while eating. If their feet don’t reach the ground, provide a box or stable surface for them to rest on. Consider using pillows or yoga blocks to provide additional support around their body.
  • Setting a Place: Use a plain placemat, plate, cutlery, and cup, all the same for each meal.
  • Eating Environment: Keep the eating environment free from clutter and stress, as stress triggers adrenaline, which decreases appetite.
  • Fun! Avoid bringing stress to the table.

The Importance of Frequent Meals

Remember that children are growing and developing every day, requiring consistent energy intake. Kids need to eat five to six meals a day for optimal growth, not necessarily full meals, but a balanced combination of breakfast, snacks, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. Skipping meals, especially breakfast and lunch, can lead to depleted energy levels and difficulty focusing.

Beyond Behaviour: Looking at the Big Picture

Nicholls emphasizes the importance of looking at the child as a whole and considering all potential factors contributing to their eating challenges. Asking “What else could it be?” opens up room for hope and more effective solutions. Consider organic (physical), environmental, and behavioral factors.

Fuelling the Body for the Day

When planning meals, focus on providing protein and wholesome foods rather than artificial sugars. Prioritize fruits, protein, and starches like oats or muesli to set the body up for success.

Creating an Open and Understanding Approach

To truly support your child, approach the situation with an open mind and understanding. Realize the essential role food plays in a child’s development, and remember that creating a stable and supported eating environment can make a significant difference.

Resources for Parents

For more helpful tips and information, Natalie Nicholls recommends joining her Facebook group, “PLECS Learning.”