Description
Picky eating occurs when a youngster has a small range of foods they will and won't eat and is highly selective about what they will and won't consume. Picky eating, also known as fussy or faddy eating, typically manifests as a youngster rejecting the food and displaying irritability or frustration whenever new foods are offered. The majority of kids go through phases of picky eating, especially as toddlers. There may not need to be any interventions because this is frequently a normal aspect of growth.
Résumé
- Picky eating, also known as fussy eating, is characterized by a child's selectivity and limited range of accepted foods, often leading to refusal and frustration during mealtimes. While most children go through this phase without long-term nutritional or developmental consequences, it can present challenges for parents. Causes for food refusal may stem from pain during chewing or swallowing, sensory sensitivities, negative food experiences, or attention-seeking behaviors. Eating is a complex sensory task, and sensitivities can heighten in children.
- Sensory issues play a significant role in picky eating, extending beyond taste to include sight, smell, touch, sound, and movement. A heightened gag reflex, a normal protective mechanism, can be triggered by textures or sights, leading to discomfort and food avoidance. It's crucial to differentiate gagging from choking or aspiration, which pose more serious risks. Visual sensitivities can manifest as preferences for specific food shapes or packaging, while smells and sounds can cause avoidance or discomfort.
- Tactile sensitivities may lead to dietary limitations based on preferred textures. Addressing movement-related sensory issues involves promoting physical activity before meals to encourage stillness. Auditory sensitivities can be mitigated by creating a quieter environment, experimenting with cutlery, and modifying mealtime sounds. Taste-related pickiness can be approached through gradual introduction, small bites, and the allowance of safe sauces.
- Strategies for managing picky eating focus on a division of responsibilities, where parents decide when, where, and what food is offered, while children choose whether to eat and how much. Positive communication, praise, and a happy mealtime atmosphere are crucial. Avoid labeling foods as "good" or "bad" or using them as rewards, as this can create negative associations. Encouraging independence and giving children control over their food choices is also essential.
- Incorporating fun and play during mealtimes, such as exploring textures with dry and wet food play, can help children overcome sensory sensitivities. The "cherry on the top" method involves gradually introducing foods, starting with tolerance and progressing through stages of poking, touching, tasting, and eventually eating. Overall, the goal is to create a positive and stress-free environment that supports a child's exploration of different foods at their own pace.
Exemple de certificat
À propos des intervenants
Nour Al Mohammed
Clinical dietitian at Al Amal w Al Ataa medical center. Barja- Lebanon
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