Mother of a Picky Eater
July 25th, 2008Concerned parent: My daughter is 6 years old. She has been a successful picky eater since she was 2. She is a carb baby. No meats or fish. Her only veggies are carrots and corn. Carrotts only with ketchup. Thank goodness my husband makes homemade pizza, that is her favorite. She can eat white rice, plain pasta (some), chinese plain brown noodles, God bless peanut butter, Micky D” fries (always wants fries, but they have to be crunchy). Some cereal in the am. As for fruits grapes, when I force her to eat some banana she eats it. She does not volunteer to try new foods, and does not like to be offered to try. She is strong and healthy and very smart and independent for her age. I feel awful that she does not try new foos and eats properly. I have been told to starve her until she eats what I serve, but I cannot do that. My oldest daughter is 8 and she eats everything and tries everything. My husband is a terrific chef. I don”t get it. Could you give some advise ~ I have concerns that this bad habbit will not go away. Thanks for your help.
Dear Mother of a Picky Eater,
I know this can be a challenge to many parents! Do the best you can to involve your picky eater in the shopping and preparing of meals. Research shows that kids who participate are more likely to eat the food they either pick out or help prepare. Also, keep trying the new foods you daughter might not have been williing to try before. It can take up to 22 times before she is willing to even put it towards her mouth and attempt to eat the food item. Whatever you do, I definitely don’t advise starving her. This can cause resentment and a negative association with food and eating. Honor her food preferences while trying out new foods for a well rounded diet!
