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Parents are not to be blamed for picky-eaters
Plus: Resources and Tips from Experts
Lakshmi Jayanthi
October 08, 2024
In partnership with
Ever feel like you’re running a restaurant for the world’s toughest food critics? Getting my kids to eat more veggies and eat healthier meals is a constant battle. I’ve tried countless recipes that sneak in veggies, and it’s exhausting.
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The pressure to ensure our children eat a balanced diet is immense, often fueled by picture-perfect meals on social media and well-meaning advice from family and friends. But before you blend another batch of hidden veggie sauce, there’s some news that might just take the pressure off.
The Scoop on Picky Eating
A new U.K. study has revealed some eye-opening insights about picky eating, or as researchers call it, “food fussiness” (FF):
It’s in the Genes: The study found that food fussiness is under strong genetic influence, which can remain influential throughout childhood. This means your child's picky eating isn't a reflection of your parenting – it's largely written in their DNA!
Not Just a Phase: Contrary to popular belief, picky eating isn't necessarily something kids simply grow out of. The study suggests that fussy eating behaviors can be persistent and enduring for some children.
Early Intervention Matters: While genes matter, a child's environment has the biggest impact during this time. Introducing healthy eating habits early on can make a difference.
It Can Be Challenging to Change: Because picky eating has strong genetic roots, it can be harder to change than other behaviors. But that doesn't mean it's impossible!
Long-term Implications: Picky eating can affect both physical and mental health as kids grow up. Addressing it early might help prevent future issues.
Lead author Zeynep Nas of University College London emphasizes, “Food fussiness is common among children and can be a major source of anxiety for parents and caregivers, who often blame themselves for this behavior or are blamed by others. This behavior is not a result of parenting.”
What This Means for You
✋🏽 It's Not Your Fault: Those Instagram-perfect bento boxes aren’t the solution. Your child’s eating habits are largely influenced by factors beyond your control.
😟 Stress Less: Megan Wallace, an Edmonton-based registered dietitian, reassures that “a typical carb-heavy picky eating diet doesn't have a big impact on your child's health.”
🫛 Avoid Comparisons: Wallace warns that comparing your child’s eating habits to others can make you feel “less than” as a parent. “It becomes a really hard issue on confidence, and value, and whether we’re good enough.”
🤌🏽 Patience is Key: Like most phases, this too shall pass, even if it feels like it’s moving at a snail’s pace.
Top Kid-Friendly Food Blogs
Practical Tips for Picky Eaters
The Canadian Pediatric Society and Wallace offer these suggestions:
Avoid distractions like screens during meals.
Provide at least one food you know your child likes at every meal.
Offer small portions of everything.
Increase exposure through sensory exploration. Let kids look at, smell, touch, squish, and play with new foods.
As Wallace puts it, “We were taught not to play with our food. That was rude and offensive. But you can talk to any child psychologist about how kids learn, and they learn through play.”
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What Can You Do?
While you can’t change your child's genetic predisposition, you can:
🍛 Keep offering a variety of foods without pressure.
🥙 Model healthy eating habits yourself.
🔪 Involve kids in meal planning and preparation.
🍴Create a positive, relaxed atmosphere around mealtimes.
Remember, your job is to provide nutritious options. It's up to your little food critic to decide what and how much to eat.
P.S. If you’re still worried about your child's diet, consult with a pediatrician or registered dietitian. They can provide personalized advice and reassurance
We Want to Hear from You!
What’s the most creative way you’ve tried to introduce new foods to your picky eater? Share your experiences by replying to this email. Your story might just help another parent feeling overwhelmed by mealtime challenges.