5 Factors That May Make a Child a Picky Eater & What You Can Do

Just like adults, children have their favorite food. Whether it’s bread and jam or a homemade pasta recipe, your child will develop a preference. But even though your little ones can eat what they enjoy, you should still monitor what they consume. 

Over the years, your child may develop specific eating habits and food choices that may not be good for their health. While letting them indulge from time to time is acceptable, taking their diet lightly can take a toll on their overall wellness.

To prevent mealtime from becoming a struggle, you need to know why children become picky eaters and what you can do to help them out of it.

 

1. Sugar consumption

Excessive artificial sugar consumption is the easiest way to turn your child into a picky eater. Sweetened juice, cookies, candies, and other similar snacks too often will condition their preference for sweets, affecting their appetite during mealtimes. Setting the necessary limits will help you solve this issue while keeping other health complications at bay.

Don’t forget to check your chosen powdered milk drink and make sure you are providing nutrition with less sugar. Choose one that is free from added artificial sugars.

2. Incorrectly prepared food

Before you start setting the table, double-check the meal you’re preparing. Whether it’s spoiled or raw, serving incorrectly prepared food can be very unpleasant for your child. 

Always keep in mind that children tend to associate meals with experiences. If they eat a poorly made version of a particular dish, they may remember the bad taste or experience, discouraging them from eating that food again.

3. Inconsistent mealtimes

One way to keep your children’s appetite consistent is to stick to a routine. Serving food at erratic intervals will cause irregularities in their hunger levels, causing them to snack excessively.

Since they don’t know when the right mealtimes are, they may snack right before you serve lunch or dinner. Setting a definite schedule for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is the easy fix for this.

4. Power struggle

If your child rejects the meal you serve, don’t pressure them to eat it. Using your authority as a parent may send the wrong message, which can be consequential in several ways. Not only will they develop a negative association with a dish, but it may also affect their relationship with you.

Unfortunately, many end up bribing their children with dessert or preparing another meal to convince them to eat—this practice rewards picky eating. 

Try waiting for your child’s appetite to kick in. If they choose not to eat for lunch, there’s a high chance that they’ll be more engaged with the meal you’ve prepared for dinner.

5. They have a genetic sensitivity to some foods

When it comes to food preference, genetics can also play a role. One study that examined children ages 5 to 10 found that those who were more sensitive to bitter-tasting compounds preferred sweeter food.

As you create a meal plan, consider that your child may not experience tastes the same way you do. Experimenting with different flavors and communicating with your child will help you find the right flavors for their taste buds.

Help Your Kids Grow Strong and Healthy

Helping your child grow strong and healthy is a top priority. As they develop their meal preferences, watching over what they consume and building the necessary habits will allow you to secure their short- and long-term wellness.

With this article as a guide, it should be much easier for you to make mealtimes more pleasant for the child. If you’re planning to switch up their diet, choosing better options is a must. As the No. 1 Milk Formula Brand in Europe, choosing HiPP Organic can provide solutions for nutrition gaps without added artificial sugars. Visit our online store today.

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