Having a picky eater as a child can be a huge challenge for even the most creative parent.
I do not envy any parent who has to cajole their child into eating what is offered or trying new foods. It can be quite exasperating and tiring. It is this knowledge that makes me empathise deeply with parents navigating the complex terrain of picky eating.
Some recent developments have led me to reflect on my upbringing and I can’t help but notice a stark contrast between the way my parents and indeed other parents of yore approached mealtime and the current situation.
Back in the day, children were expected to eat what was put in front of them without question or complaint. In many homes, the options were even limited so choosing to eat this and not that could mean you had decided to inflict suffering on yourself. There was also a sense of authority and firmness in the parental approach to feeding, and for many of us, it worked. We may not have always liked what was on our plates, but we ate it nonetheless. It was almost unheard of that any child rejected the food offered them. Admittedly, there were exceptions, as with nearly every other situation.
So, what has changed? How did we go from a generation of obedient eaters to one where children seem to hold the reins, dictating their food choices and preferences to their parents?
How did we become a generation where foods such as noodles became staple foods to the extent that there is more outcry about the increase in the price of noodles today than there is about even more increase in the prices9 oil: of rice, yam, beans, potatoes and other such foods?
The answer is complex and finds its roots in shifts in societal norms, parenting philosophies, and the ever-evolving understanding of child development.
In today’s world, there is increased awareness of nutrition and its impact on childhood health and development. Parents are inundated with information about the importance of providing balanced meals and offering a variety of foods to support their children’s growth. You’d expect that this knowledge will come with a desire to ensure that children are getting the nutrients they need. Sadly, however, more parents seem to be showing the willingness to cater to their children’s preferences and aversions, whether they’re nutritionally beneficial to them or not.
Parenting styles have also evolved over time, with many modern parents adopting a more child-centered approach. As a result, there is more emphasis on respecting children’s autonomy and allowing them to express their preferences, even when it comes to something as fundamental as food. While this shift reflects a deeper understanding of child psychology and development, it can also create challenges when it comes to fostering healthy eating habits.
In the midst of this cultural shift, it’s easy for parents to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to navigate the maze of picky eating.
Additionally, some children may have different sensory preferences or sensitivities compared to others and may be more sensitive to certain textures or flavours, making them more selective in their food choices.
As someone who made a conscious decision to emulate my parents’ approach to feeding, I decided to adopt a firmer stance when it comes to what the children eat.
That notwithstanding, I agree and understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to picky eating. What works for one child may not work for another, and what worked for previous generations may not be effective in today’s world.
It, therefore, behooves parents to employ strategies that can encourage adventurous eating and promote a positive relationship with food.
One such approach is eating with your children from a young age. By modelling healthy eating habits and exposing children to a variety of flavours and textures early on, parents can help expand their palates and cultivate a sense of curiosity about food. Slicing or blending vegetables into dishes, adding a hint of spice, or incorporating new ingredients into familiar recipes can gradually make children adapt new flavours and make mealtime more enjoyable for everyone.
To navigate picky eating, parents will also need to find a balance between offering nutritious options and knowing when a child’s system cannot hold down a food or if they are allergic to particular foods that they reject. This balance will create a positive mealtime environment free from pressure and coercion, where children feel empowered to explore new foods at their own pace.
Parents must also bear in mind that there are exceptions and no two children are the same, and what works for one may not work for another. By embracing flexibility, patience, a willingness to experiment, a bit of creativity and being firmer and less indulging, parents can navigate the challenges of picky eating with confidence and grace.
The way I see it, by understanding the factors that contribute to picky eating and adopting strategies to address them, parents can empower their children to develop healthy eating habits that will serve them well throughout their lives.
As someone who has been blessed with children who eat what is offered, I am truly thankful for the lessons learned and the journey travelled.
Remember to do what works for you and your children, and trust that with time and perseverance, picky eating can become a thing of the past.
