Faddy Eaters
Faddiness is common but don’t lose heart. Often young children refuse to eat certain foods, or even to eat at all.
Although they may sometimes appear to eat very little, healthy children are unlikely to starve themselves, and will compensate for small meals at the next eating occasion or the following day. However, if weight is not gained over long periods or if weight loss occurs, then professional advice should be sought.
Food faddiness may also arise because a child consumes too many energy-dense snacks, or large quantities of juice or other drinks, between meals. This may limit appetite at mealtimes. Tips include: avoid offering children drinks for about one hour before meal-times and limit or delay offering a drink with meals.
To overcome faddiness, a consistent approach is essential with co-operation from everyone involved in the child’s care. Keep meal-times a positive occasion and to stimulate appetite, offer small portions of a wide range of different foods, as colourful and interesting as possible. Ignore refusal but praise a child when food is eaten. Firmness and encouragement should be used rather than force.
If food is refused, offer a healthy alternative a little while later. Avoid falling into the trap of offering sweet alternatives.