If you have a picky eater then you know how challenging it can be to introduce new foods into their diet. Picky eaters are easily overwhelmed by new foods. It is often a reaction to the look, the smell, the texture and the colour of the new foods. Let’s look at Picky Eater Tip #2. Serve new foods in tiny portions.
Why do we serve tiny portions?
Trying new foods can be overwhelming for fussy eaters. How do you stop new foods from being overwhelming for your child? You make them ‘underwhelming’. The best way to do this is to present them:
- in very small pieces
- in very small quantities
- on very small plates or in very small cups
Research shows that picky eaters are more likely to have a try of new foods when they are available in ‘underwhelming’ amounts.
When do you we use Picky Eater Tip #2?
You can serve tiny portions at mealtimes or at snack times. You should model eating the new food but it is really important that you do not put pressure on a child to try the new food.
More picky eating tips
What do I do if I need more help for my Picky Eater?
Picky Eating can cause stress for children, parents and the whole family. Try picky eating tip #2 at home with your child. If you are still concerned about your child’s picky eating habits, then it is best to start doing something about it now. Our ‘YukToYum’ program helps to build adventurous eaters who will try new foods. The program has 3 versions:
- Individual sessions
- Group Therapy Sessions
- Online parent Training
Individual Picky Eater Therapy Sessions
Individual sessions are great when a child first starting therapy for picky eating. It allows the therapist to understand more about the child’s eating patterns and preferences. The therapist can try different strategies to see what the child respond to best.
Group Picky Eater Therapy Sessions
Eating is a social skill and we want picky eaters to still enjoy eating with other people. The group program maintains the fun side of feeding intervention. We know that picky eaters do learn by watching their peers eat some foods. Our group picky eater program runs during the school term on a weekly basis for one hour. The sessions work on feeding as well as have breaks for social games in between. It takes time for picky eaters to introduce new foods back into their eating so this is a fun wait to keep doing therapy.
Online Parent Training
Picky eaters have usually being restricting their food choices for many years before they start therapy. It can take a long time to change their eating preferences. It isn’t feasible for all families to attend feeding sessions on an ongoing basis. That is why we developed an online parent training program. This program teaches parents how to introduce new foods and what strategies are likely to help your child expand their repertoire of foods. The program runs 4 times a year.
If you are interested in finding out more about out YukToYum program for picky eaters, call us in our Bondi Junction or Mascot clinic on (02) 80657837 or email us. We have Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists who love helping children become adventurous eaters!
