Parenting is no easy job, especially when it comes to tackling the tantrums of a little picky eater at home. You see your child only sticks to two or three foods and continues to only have these specific types of foods as they age. For any parents, this is not just frustrating but also concerning. It affects their health, growth, nutrition and overall well-being.
However, picky eating is actually very common among kids, but it needs attention from specialists when the situation goes out of control.
Parents who are finding it extremely difficult about what to do when it comes to feeding a picky eater in Dubai and other parts of the regions, here are practical tips from our feeding therapists.
Things to add in your To-Do List
Create a Mealtime Routine
Okay, many parents would agree on the fact that kids do prefer structure like a set routine. This helps them feel safe and keep going. So, you need to try offering meals and snacks at the same time every day. All you need to do is limit grazing in between. As a result, it will help build a solid appetite and interest in food.
Serve What You Eat
You don’t need to cook separate meals for your little picky eaters. Let your child see you enjoying different foods. When you have healthy food habits and you enjoy different foods, it’s most likely your child will also follow your path. Don’t forget to include one or two familiar items on the plate, and along with them, add a new type of food.
Keep the Pressure Low
Forcing won’t help your kid to eat, instead, it will terrify them. Remember the game is simple – no bribes, no punishments. Because when you do so, it creates anxiety. Instead, focus on connection. Talk about your day, and try to keep the mood light. A stress-free environment even helps build trust with food.
Let Them Explore
Playing is learning, you know. Don’t stop your kid when you see them touch, smell, and even squish food. It actually builds sensory comfort. Messy hands today can lead to more confident eating tomorrow.
You can even take your little picky eaters in Dubai for grocery shopping. Let them pick veggies. Let them stir, pour, or set the table. This involvement boosts interest. And, children who help make their meal are more likely to try it.
Offer Tiny Portions
Remember, more is not always good. Children have limited appetite. It’s ideal to offer a teaspoon or less of new food. They can always ask for more if they feel like eating a bit more. Take tiny steps, and this can lead to big wins.
Stick With It
When you offer a new type of food and you think your child is gonna like it from that very moment, it is not something you should expect. New foods need many tries. Sometimes 10, sometimes 20 or sometimes even more. Have patience; don’t give up too soon. Keep offering new food, sometimes in their favourite bowl or desired shapes, without any expectation. Consistency matters.
Watch for Red Flags
If your child gags often, refuses a whole food group, or shows signs of extreme discomfort or anxiety around food, you should not wait. You must consult a feeding therapist. Maybe your child has some serious feeding or swallowing disorder that you are not aware of and only a specialist can help your child out.
Wrapping Up
There’s no magic fix. It takes time. Progress may be slow, but it will come.
The best way is to consult a certified feeding therapist in Dubai who has been working with picky eaters. They can design a healthy and easy diet plan for your kid, making mealtimes less stressful for you.
We are Hope AMC, and we have Dubai’s board-certified feeding therapists. They will evaluate your kid, understand their specific food preferences, dig out the reasons behind their picky eating habits and design a custom diet plan that will nourish your child.
For more details, visit our official website or social media channels. Or, you can directly book an appointment now!
