Is your child a fussy eater?

Date:
September 21, 2021
Source:
University of South Australia
Summary:
New research is providing a better understanding of what influences
fussy eaters, and what is more likely to increase or decrease
picky eating in children under 10.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Whether it's an exclusive appetite for 'white' foods or an all-out refusal
on veggies, when you have a fussy eater on your hands, mealtime can be
more than a challenge.


========================================================================== While picky eating is all part of the norm for developing toddlers,
when it extends into school years, it takes a toll on all involved,
children and parents alike.

Now, new research from USC, the University of South Australia, and the University of Queensland is providing a better understanding of what
influences fussy eaters, and what is more likely to increase or decrease
picky eating in children under 10.

Reviewing 80 health industry studies, the research found that a range
of factors contributed to a child's likelihood of being a fussy eater.

The study found that pressuring a child to eat, offering rewards
for eating, very strict parenting all negatively influenced fussy
eaters. Conversely, a more relaxed parenting style, eating together as
a family, and involving a child in the preparation if food all reduced
the likelihood of fussy eating.

Lead researcher and USC PhD student Laine Chilman says the research hopes
to help parents and carers better understand fussy eating in children.



==========================================================================
"For parents with a fussy eater, mealtimes can be especially stressful
- - juggling the family meal and a picky eater is no small feat,"
Chilman says.

"Some families have kids who turn their noses up at any vegetable. Others
are dealing with kids who dislike certain textures or colours of food.

"Some of these preferences relate to a child's characteristics or
personality, which are difficult to change, if at all. But others are
external factors that could help reduce fussy eating in kids.

"Eating together as a family, with siblings, and having a single meal
at a regular time all helped reduce food fussiness. As did getting the
fussy child involved in the meal, either by helping to choose the menu,
or helping to prepare the meal.

"Yet if fussy eaters were allowed to eat in front of the TV, or if they
were rewarded for eating certain foods, these behaviours negatively
influenced picky children." According to the Australian Nutrition and
Physical Activity Survey, most children do not meet recommended diet
and nutrition guidelines.



========================================================================== UniSA researcher Dr Ann Kennedy-Behr says stress can contribute to
fussy eating.

"When you have a child who is a picky eater, it's very stressful for a
parent or carer -- they're forever questioning whether their child is
getting enough nutrients, enough food, and often enough weight gain,"
Dr Kennedy-Behr says.

"Yet it's important to understand that being overtly anxious or worried
can actually contribute to increased picky eating.

"Avoiding getting cross and limiting any negativity around mealtime will
be benefit everyone.

"Positive parenting, no matter how difficult it can be in certain
situations, is the best step forward for fussy eaters." Top tips to
help a fussy eater
1. Set a good example: a family that eats together has better eating
habits 2. Schedule regular mealtimes: regular mealtimes reduce levels
of stress.

3. Get kids involved with food preparation: familiarity and a sense of
control can help
4. Try to have one mealtime: a separate kids' sitting encourages fussy
eating
5. Turn the TV off: focus on food, not on screens 6. Try to keep
mealtimes calm and stress free: will be a better experience
for all.

7. Remove rewards or bribes or punishments for fussy eaters.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_South_Australia. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Laine Chilman, Ann Kennedy-Behr, Thuy Frakking, Libby Swanepoel,
Michele
Verdonck. Picky Eating in Children: A Scoping Review to Examine
Its Intrinsic and Extrinsic Features and How They Relate to
Identification.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,
2021; 18 (17): 9067 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179067 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210921172645.htm

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