Introduction 

During their preschool years, particularly when they start to feel independent and assert their preferences regarding food, children can become rebellious and picky eaters, turning family mealtime into a battlefield. At that time, anxious to make their children eat, parents try different strategies, some coming from their ancestors, others recently recommended by a relative or a friend. However, while serving the desired end of the tantrum, some of those strategies may jeopardize future food habits. In this article, we address the possible side effects of some tactics used to deal with the tantrums of food-picky children and what parents can do instead to promote a more positive attitude from their kids towards food choices.

The Side Effects of some Tactics used to Deal with the Tantrums of Food-picky Children

Distracting the toddler allowing it to play or watch a film during mealtime

While this tactic is frequently used to successfully make the child eat quietly, it decreases the toddler’s awareness about its satiety and eating habits (for example, eating pace), which may result in poor digestion and nutrient absorption. 

Promoting competition and rewarding the child who eats faster (often with a sweet!)

Used with success across generations, this trick may lead to bad satiety perception and to gulping food without chewing sufficiently, jeopardizing food’s digestion and usage by the body. 

Reducing the exposure to different foods

Some parents opt for cooking the kids’ preferred recipes more often, or for cooking them a separate meal. In the short term, this strategy avoids children’s tantrums and ensures that they eat enough food. However, because diversity is decreased and the child will stick to a more restricted range of foods, it might contribute to turning the child into an even more picky eater. At the same time, the child’s nutritional balance can be compromised due to decreased food variety, which may result in poor growth and development.

Letting children eat at their own pace and choice

“No child will starve if food is available,” and “when they grow older, their habits will adjust” are often this strategy. However, without proper supervision, children aged 4-6 years will tend to eat “easy” and savoury foods (like cookies, sweet cereal bars, and chocolates) over the more nutritious ones (like fruit, yogurt, and healthy sandwiches). Therefore, this strategy may seriously compromise the adoption of healthy food habits. 

What can Parents do instead to Prevent their Food-picker Tantrums and Promote Healthy Diets? 

Starting to promote food diversity as soon as possible

The earlier they have contact with different textures, odours and flavours, the more eager children will be to try and accept different foods. So, understanding when new foods and recipes can be offered to a child and including them in the child’s diet as soon as possible is an advantage.

Teaching kids about food and nutrition

Children need to understand why eating different foods and quantities is important for them, and the sooner they do the better is for all. So, as soon as they can understand, it’s time to start using simple examples to explain to them how diverse foods have different benefits. For example, carrots will make eyes prettier and sharper, oranges will help the body to avoid getting sick, milk will make bones stronger, and so on. Drawing, telling stories and food games are some of the strategies that may facilitate their learning and turn them into food lovers instead of food pickers.

Setting an “eating code of conduct”

Referring to, for example, eating times, use of screens at the table, soup, fruit and vegetables intake, and sweets or junky food consumption rules. This will help children to understand the importance of good eating habits and make them less keen to defy the rules.

Keeping a positive food environment at home

Making sure that, instead of unhealthy items, nutritious foods are available and are cared for and valued. For example, stocking food in appropriate conditions and consuming it before it deterioration. Where necessary, cooking using methods that add value without risking the nutritional content (for example, favouring spices over salt, avoiding frying, and avoiding overcooking). 

Conclusion

Role modelling is an important component in preventing children’s tantrums over food choices and habits. Children’s adherence to healthy diets will be easier and almost natural if steady habits and a positive food environment are promoted at home. Choosing sustainable practices to deal with these tantrums may often require an extra dose of time and patience but will definitely benefit children’s food habits and therefore protect their health in the mid to long term.

Social Media: http://www.linkedin.com/in/leonor-assunção-6252947