89 ������������������������������������������ If your child eats less than 12 foods, he is considered an “extremely picky eater.” It is important to rule out physical and medical causes such as swallowing, re��ux, or food allergies prior to tackling the picky eating issue. Consult with your pediatrician ��rst. Try Food Chaining Food chaining is a child-friendly approach to treating eating problems by building on the child’s past eating exposure to introduce new foods. In this process, the child is presented with foods that are similar in ��avor, texture, color, and temperature to the foods he already eats. This connection creates “food chains” between novel foods and preferred foods. Flavor mapping allows the list of preferred foods to be analyzed so that possible base foods may be selected. Be sure to keep a food journal to chart progress. Start Small…Move slowly The idea is to remove anxiety and stress from mealtime. Keep in mind, that when children are willing to try a new food, it is not the size that matters. When a child tries a small speck of a new food, this should be considered progress. Gradually increase the size of the food over time and leave the child with an opportunity to ask for more. In some cases, parents might want to consider selecting just one snack or meal to target for change. Treating picky eating is often a slow process that requires patience. Limit Options If the child has easy access to favorite snacks and juices, he will not only be less likely to try novel foods but will be full at mealtimes. Try to limit or remove snacks in between meals. A hungry child is more likely to try something new. Make it Fun Try making the target meal a picnic, party, or experience. Create fun ways to engage your child in the process of making new foods. Using a waf��e-maker can be a fun experience. Sometimes, children are interested in learning about how fruits and vegetables get from the garden to the table. Find a local hydroponic farm or go strawberry picking to ��nd your fresh ingredients. Have your child help in the kitchen without feeling pressured to try the things that he makes. This will help to associate new foods with a positive experience. Avoid Power Struggles Some children become very controlling where food is involved. Try to refrain from offering bribes for eating, as this may increase behavioral control problems rather than decrease them. If the child is offered a separate meal when he rejects what is offered, picky eating will be reinforced and so will negative behaviors. Create an atmosphere of relaxed, positive interactions at meals. Keep a straight face when it comes to food so that the child does not perceive it as a win-lose scenario. Make a rule that everyone joins at the table (no grazing) and keep the television and other electronic devices off. Set a timer and start with a few minutes at ��rst. Just like the small speck of food…you must start somewhere. Make a Commitment Before deciding to take on the picky eater in your life, be sure that you can devote the time and consistency that will make your efforts successful. If you want to see results, consistency is key. Seeking the advice and support from a specialist in speech therapy, occupational therapy, or applied behavior analysis can assist in developing and guiding the plan, while providing professional consultation as needed. Successful treatment for picky eaters can result in better nutrition, decreased mealtime stress, improved ��exibility, and a happier family life. It is a win-win for everyone! Recommended guide: Food Chaining: The Proven 6 Step Plan to Stop Picky Eating, Solve Feeding �������������������������������������������������������������������� Diet by Fraker et al. Dr. Kirstina Ordetx holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in pediatric neurology. Dr. Ordetx is an educational specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience, research, and consultation. She is a Certi��ed ��utrition and Wellness Consultant, Executive Functions Coach, and a registered Licensed Mental Health Intern. She is Executive Director of the Therapy and Reading Center of Lakewood Ranch, a multi-disciplinary, pediatric therapy clinic.
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