Alexis Irazoque, M.S., CCC-SLP
Picky eating can be one of the most stressful parts of parenting. If your child seems to eat only a handful of foods, or they react strongly to new foods, know that you are not alone. You may not be quite sure how to handle these situations, but it doesn’t mean you’re failing as a parent.
In many cases, what might seem like simple “picky eating” is more complex. Some feeding problems are rooted in sensory issues, where a child avoids certain foods because of heightened sensitivities. Learning more about sensory food aversion can help you understand what your child may be experiencing.
For kids with a sensory feeding disorder, mealtimes can be challenging. However, there are things you can do–and things to avoid–that can help your child accept a greater variety of foods. Let’s take a look at the "dos" and "don’ts" for creating a more positive mealtime for your child–and your whole family.
Is it a sensory issue or just picky eating?
First of all, it helps to understand the difference between picky eating and sensory food aversion.
Picky eater: A picky eater is a child who eats a limited variety of foods and often resists trying new ones. It’s common for a picky eater to consistently prefer the same foods while refusing others.
Picky eating is a typical phase in childhood development. However, problems arise when the child has a strong “fight or flight” response to new or non-preferred foods. This response may include running away, hiding, panicking, or shutting down. This may be a sign of a sensory feeding issue, which would likely benefit from treatment with sensory feeding therapy.
Sensory-based feeding disorder: A sensory feeding disorder, also known as sensory food aversion, occurs when a child struggles with eating due to sensitivities related to the smell, appearance, texture, taste, and even sound of foods. These sensory sensitivities can create big challenges with eating. They often severely limit the variety of foods a child will eat. This can affect the child’s nutritional intake and growth.
Kids with sensory aversion may feel nervous, anxious, or upset around new or non-preferred foods.
Other symptoms of sensory feeding disorders include feeling nervous or afraid around new foods. Kids often become upset if a non-preferred food is placed near them. They might gag, refuse to eat, or leave the table altogether. For instance, a child with a strong aversion to certain textures might become upset because they can’t tolerate the feel of mashed potatoes.
Parents and caregivers often describe their children with sensory issues as anxious, worried, or stressed during meals. When you understand these sensitivities, you can better support your child.
How to make mealtimes more positive for your child with sensory issues
Do:
1 Promote a calm environment
Create a stress-free atmosphere during meals. Avoid pressuring your child to eat, and use positive, encouraging, and reassuring language. Here’s an example: “I know this is hard for you, but I’m here to help.”
2 Model positive relationships with food
Children often mimic the behaviors of their caregivers. Show positive feelings toward different foods to help your child feel safer around them. When they see you enjoying a variety of foods, they’re more likely to feel comfortable trying them.
3 Have realistic expectations
Making progress with sensory-based feeding issues can be slow going. Don’t expect your child to start eating multiple new foods right away. Small steps, like touching a new food or tolerating it on their plate, are big achievements.
4 Celebrate your child’s successes
Focus on your child’s strengths and celebrate their progress, no matter how small it may seem. Your praise and encouragement can go a long way in building their confidence and reducing stress during mealtimes!
Don’t:
1 Force feed
Never force your child to eat. This approach is invasive and can make mealtimes feel more negative to your child. It’s important to have a safe and trusting environment.
2 Sneak food in
Avoid hiding new or non-preferred foods within familiar ones. Your child needs to trust you, and they need to understand what they’re eating to feel safe.
3 Feed while distracted
Feeding your child when they’re distracted, like watching TV, might seem like a good idea, but it’s important for them to be aware and engaged with their food. This helps them genuinely accept and understand what they are eating. It also prevents overeating.
5 Threaten or punish for not eating
Avoid using threats or punishment. This creates a negative relationship with food. Remember that eating is truly challenging for children with sensory difficulties. Pressuring or punishing them will have little positive impact on their eating habits.
6 Make negative comments
Don’t make negative comments about food or your child’s eating abilities. Instead, focus on positive language and encouragement.
How sensory feeding therapy can help
Pediatric feeding therapy helps children who have difficulty with the physical act of eating or swallowing. Feeding therapy is provided by a speech-language pathologist, also known as a speech or feeding therapist, and can help make mealtimes easier and more enjoyable.
Feeding therapy starts at a level where the child is comfortable. It progresses in small, manageable steps to help the child accept a wider variety of foods in their diet. This gradual approach helps build trust and reduce anxiety. One of the most important goals of sensory feeding therapy is to create peaceful mealtimes, with fewer battles!
Feeding therapy progresses in small steps to help the child accept a wider variety of foods in their diet.
If you have a picky eater or a child with sensory feeding difficulties, it’s normal to feel frustrated or unsure what to do. Remember, you’re not alone, and it’s OK if you’ve used some of the “don’ts” listed here. Parenting is a continuous learning process!
If you’re concerned about your child’s eating habits, talk with your pediatrician. They can refer you to a speech therapist who specializes in feeding issues. If you want to learn more about feeding therapy, you can also schedule a free phone consultation with an Expressable speech therapist. We’re here to support you and help make mealtimes more enjoyable for you and your child.
