Expert Profile: Diane Keddy, MS, RD, FAED is a Nutrition Therapist and a Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders. She has treated men, women and children with eating disorders, including selective eating, for the past 25 years. Currently she is in private practice in Newport Beach, CA.
See an updated post on getting picky eater help: The Nagging Question Every Parent of a Picky Eater Asks
If all children accepted the food parents gave them, feeding kids would be easy. In fact, this is usually what happens the first 18 months to 2 years of a child’s life.
But then one day the same child who ate almost everything starts to say “no” and reject foods. In the eyes of a child, new foods can be scary and intimidating. And parents are left unsure what to do, afraid their little one will become deficient in key nutrients.
Welcome to Raise Healthy Eaters’ picky eating series. Here we’ll talk about why kids eat the way they do and what parents can do about it. I believe what happens during this lengthy stage of development can have a big impact on a child’s future eating.
But before we get into what is normal for most kids in terms of food choice and eating habits, it’s vital to discuss what isn’t normal. There are times when kids may require professional help if they are to become normal eaters.
What is selective eating?
Selective eating is picky eating that persists into middle childhood and beyond with an extreme reluctance to try new foods. Unlike eating disorders, there are no body shape issues and weight of the child can vary, with many children being underweight.
“Most pediatricians are missing it,” says Diane Keddy, MS, RD , FAED, a nutrition therapist who has worked with selective eaters for 10 years. “The longer parents wait to get help, the harder it is to treat.”
Now this doesn’t mean that any 10-year old picky eater has selective eating. Keddy says these kids only accept a very narrow range of (usually white) food. The typical list includes pasta, macaroni and cheese and gold fish and some will drink milk.
Selective eaters tend to only eat their accepted foods at home even if someone else is making it the exact same way. When they try a new food it’s common for them to choke, gag or even vomit which leads to their anxiety about eating. Keddy explains that this is neurological because the part of their brain that recognizes food as pleasure is underdeveloped.
Typically by age 6 kids really start expanding their palate but with selective eating this doesn’t happen, making social activities anxiety-ridden for the child. They often fall off the growth charts and can experience slow bone growth if left untreated.
Who gets it?
“Children with a family history of autism, eating disorders, OCD and severe picky eating are at greater risk for developing selective eating,” says Keddy. “With autism spectrum disorders (ASD) on the rise, selective eating is becoming more common.”
A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, showed that while both ASD and non ASD children had picky eating, the ASD group refused more foods and had a smaller repertoire of foods they would eat. As a result, these children had insufficient intakes of vitamins A, C, D, zinc and calcium.
This doesn’t mean non ASD children can’t become selective eaters, but it appears to be more common in children with ASD.
The treatment for selective eating
Keddy says that the treatment for selective eating is very different than what she recommends for normal picky-eating kids. The division of responsibility of feeding does not work with selective eaters. She utilizes a treatment called “systematic desensitization.”
Children are first put on medication to treat their anxiety. Once their anxiety is reduced and they are better able to relax, she works with them on trying different foods. For each new food they try, the parents give them some kind of non-food reward.
She describes it as a negotiation, where kids are allowed so many “pass” foods. She says the treatment takes a lot of energy and commitment from parents, but it’s worth it. Based on her own experience, she estimates that about 80% of selective eaters eventually become normal eaters.
What worried parents should do
“Parents know their kids best,” Keddy says. “If they sense something is wrong, they should seek professional help.”
Keddy says to start with the pediatrician and if they can’t refer you to anyone, find a dietitian that works with eating disorders. She says that even if the pediatrician says your child’s eating behavior is not worrisome, it’s worth it to get them evaluated. “It can’t hurt,” she adds.
The sooner kids get treated for selective eating, the better off they’ll be. Keddy says the average age she sees kids are 10. But children often display signs at much younger ages, typically starting around ages 3 to 4.
And if left untreated, kids who are selective eaters will grow into adults who can only eat a short list of foods. This not only negatively impacts health but hampers social activities where food is often the central part of gatherings.
So when in doubt, get your child evaluated. If this isn’t an issue for you, stay tuned for our next post in this series about the kind of little eater you have at home (and why it matters!).
Next: How to Pinpoint Your Child’s Eating Personality (and Why it Helps)
References
Bandini LG, Anderson SE, Curtin C, Cermak S, Evans EW, Scampini R, Maslin M, Must A. Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Typically Developing Children. J Pediatr. 2010 Mar 31.
Want this entire picky-eating series plus new content, research and stories? Get my new new e-book From Picky to Powerful: The Mindset, Strategies and Know-how You Need to Empower Your Picky Eater
OMG! I am in tears! My 7 yr old has this and the doctor says she’s ok and her therapist says it’s normal, but I know it’s not!! There are only 6 or 7 things that she will eat and only if I prepare them! What really struck me about this article is that my daughter also has mild Asperger’s. So why doesn’t anybody find her eating habits odd?? Thanks again!
June,
I’m glad you found your way to this article. Let me know if you need any help!
My daughter, now five, was very slow to self-feed, rejected “lumpy/chunky” baby food and all table food, and between age 1 and 2.5 lived mostly on crackers, applesauce and the occassional chicken nugget. She had other issues that raised red flags with us, so we had her evaluated first by a developmental pediatrician then by an occupational therapist. The pediatrician thought she was on the ASD spectrum and referred us to OT. The OT worked with her on a broad range of issues including oral motor skills – I had to struggle to get her to use a straw – we’d gotten lazy about letting her use a sippy cup all the time – and now, 3 years later, her range of foods has broadened significantly, including Chinese pork buns, spaghetti and meatballs, and raw carrots and celery (if they have peanut butter on them.) I’m intrigued by the anti-anxiety drugs thing, as she clearly has high levels of anxiety about trying new foods, but this angle has never come up for us before. Thanks for posting.
Theresa,
Thanks for the comment. If you have questions about selective eating you can always send it to Diane Keddy (expert I interviewed). Just click through to her site and you’ll find her contact information. Thanks again for reading!
My oldest son was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder this spring. He’s almost 6, and eats maybe 4-5 things. I’ve begun making just the one meal, and I control what goes on the plate but he controls what he eats. My best results are at no-pressure meals. He’s tasting things but it’s early days. I worry that he may never eat meat because of texture (he doesn’t eat it now, except in highly processed form like chicken nuggets and corned beef hash). How can I broach the texture issue?
Thank you for this portion of the article. It is good to finally see some information becoming available about selective or resistant eaters. There was very little information about it available (on the internet) when my daughter was diagnosed with ASD 4 years ago.
To address the question about texture, I’ve found the best approach is to make your own foods with that texture. My daughter will eat McD’s nuggets, so I found a recipe to simulate at home that is healthier. Grinding chicken breasts in a food processor will give that weird re-constituted chicken look and texture.
My son is 7 and has been diagnosed with Aspberger’s. His is more the social disorders and he does tend to eat “white foods”. The point I don’t agree with is putting them on medication to treat anxiety. I don’t think my son needs that. As he’s gotten older he has been more willing to try new things and has found out that he even likes some! I sneak things into food he likes, such as golden flaxseed meal into peanut butter.
I am a therapist who just started working with a 10 year old picky eater. I know it was not “normal” when he parents sat down and told me the info at the assessment. I’ve only seen him a few times and little progress has been made but I am slowly trying to work towards the systematic desentization approach.
How would I go about finding someone knowledgable about selective eating to evaluate my child? He is nearly 9 years old, and I am not absolutely convinced that this is his problem, but I have great concern about his eating in general. I want to get to the problem, so that we can work on the solution…without damaging his perception of meal time and eating.
Natasha,
The dietitian I interviewed recommended finding a dietitian who specializes in eating disorders and works with selective eating. You can also find a good feeding therapist who deals with sensory issues such as an OT or ST. They may be able to help rule out oral/motor issues. If you need more help, contact me directly at [email protected]
I find it very disturbing that the first course of action is meds. I’m not at all someone who is opposed to medication when it is needed. But often, these picky and resistant eaters can benefit enormously from Occupational Therapy, to help them with their foods issues. Personally, as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a mom of two little ones who are resistant eaters (and have a sensory processing disorder), this would be my first course of action. My little guys have made enormous progress with textures of foods since starting with their OT.
Thanks for your comment. I do plan write another post on this as this was written when I first started this blog — and I have learned a lot since then. Much of the advice comes from an RD who works with selective eaters who are older — and were likely never treated for sensory issues early on (with an OT/ST).
That’s great to hear! I just wanted to be sure that that people were also aware of this option for therapy. I realize in reading this that I’m terribly lucky that my kids were identified young (one at 21 months and the other at 7 months). Hopefully, we won’t have to pursue the route of medication that we might otherwise have had to.
Maybe I can interview you about your experience as I love ot share real-life stories. Will be in touch!!
By all means, I would be happy to share my story. I’d be happy to do whatever I can to help other families struggling with feeding issues find solutions. We continue to search and know that we continue to learn a lot from other similar families. The internet is great for this these days!!
I’ve also decided that I’m going to start practicing in this field professionally and am going to attend the SOS Feeding conference in November. So I look forward to becoming even more knowledgeable in the field.
You can also see bits and pieces of our story on my own blog: http://foodforthoughtlinds.blogspot.ca/ clicking on the tabs picky eaters, Logan’s/Chloé’s journey and sensory processing disorder.
I am (as a few others) crying as I read this. I have a 12 year old daughter who since the age of 3 has only eaten: orange Yoplait Yoguart, Chicken Nuggets, Plain Pasta, Top Ramen, Mac and Cheese, Bacon & Chocolate Milk. She is now to the point that she is telling me she is “sick” of her usual food, but is too afraid to try something new. This terrifies me. I have spoken with a few counselers (over the phone) and they tell me to take her to an eating disorder clinic, but what I’ve found is they only treat the anorexia or bulemia (sorry for the spelling) – No where in Oregon can I find anyone to help us with this. She is now begining to lie (saying she ate breakfast) when I do an “inventory of food” – I know she didn’t eat. And this is a huge red flag.. ANY Help or pointing in the right direction would be so appreciated.
Warm Regards,
Glenna
Glenna,
I can’t even imagine how challenging of an issue feeding has been with your daughter. I’ve had more than a few days of complete frustration, and my eldest is not even two and a half yet. *Hugs*
I don’t know what area you are in. But if you’re anywhere near Portland, you might want to try here: http://www.ohsu.edu/cdrc/clinical/portland/nutrition.html If you’re not near the Portland area, you can perhaps contact them for suggestions of who might be able to provide services in your area.
Thank you for the *hugs* – I went to their website before, and that is more of an audism program/or ausbergers (ugh, I’m not good at spelling) – they said they didn’t have much help on this topic – great place to go though, as they’re right down the street from us!
Thank you!
Glenna
Oh… sorry to hear that. It sounded from their website that they might have relevant services for your daughter. I guess that means they weren’t able to refer you anywhere either. That must be so frustrating…
Glenna, I just posted a blog post on tips for picky eaters who have more sensory issues. It was working on this that brought me onto this website in the first place. I thought this might be of interest to you, in case there is anything that might be helpful for you with your daughter. I’m dealing with toddlers, so I suspect not all of the strategies will be helpful for you. But maybe you’ll be able to pick up a tip or two?
oops… forgot the link: http://foodforthoughtlinds.blogspot.ca/2012/09/ten-tips-for-pickyresistant-eaters.html
Thank you! That is a great blog – even though it’s toddler oriented, there are still some similarities…. thank you – and for your kind words… I am not giving up and will continue to educate myself and help my daughter 🙂
Glenna
Thanks Glenna 🙂 I wish you the best of luck with your daughter. It sounds like you’re on the right path, searching for solutions.
The article is very informative but I don’t know what the matter is with my elder daughter. She is 15 years old with Down Syndrome. Recently she is refusing to eat harder foods like fried chicken, any kind of roti (Indian flatbread similar to tortillas), even chicken nuggets that she used to love. She is crazy about pizza but she has a hard time eating it and sometimes leaves it half-eaten. Her OT (at school) checked her and says its a behavioural problem and told me to offer only hard foods. But I am not convinced. We have an appointment with the dentist tomorrow. If she doesn’t find anything out of place, then I may have to think about other things.
Very descriptive article, I loved that a lot.
Will there be a part 2?
Thanks! Actually this is the first article in the series http://www.maryannjacobsen.com/category/picky-eating-series/ I do plan on running another article on picky eating soon though.
Hello,
I just read this article and am having a hard time finding someone in the NY area (Long Island) who has experience treating selective eating disorder. My daughter is 14 and has had this problem since she started solids. She has adhd and I believe she has anxiety but she will never admit it.She also doesn’t want to deal with her issue. I have brought her to a therapist and a nutritionist and an adolescent nutrition program but nothing has helped. How do I get her to see this is an issue and needs to be addressed? She eats Perdue chicken nuggets, pizza, bagels, ice cream popcorn and Nutella on a soft tortilla. The only veg she eats is a rawcarrot which is not enough. Can you recommend someone in the Long Island area who could help?
Thank you
Let me check with my nutrition colleagues. Hang in there!
Have you heard anything about Sondra Kronberg? She is a reg dietician and has a very good website but I don’t know of anyone who has gone to her.
Thanks,
Kim
It was great to read the above posts and comments! I am a dietitian mom myself who is struggling with my toddler (3 years) selective eating. I have tried strategies that I have read from journal articles, and I have seen a difference! My child usually does regress to only consuming 2 foods when she is sick, but after a week she gets to eating her selected foods. This is usually when I can try to expose her to trying new foods step by step (touching, holding, touching to face and so on!) Luckily as a dietitian I know which food groups I need to work from! After reading the above comments, I think I better find an OT to help her out soon! She has just been diagnosed 6 months ago so I am still learning! Maryann I love your informative blogs, thanks so much for sharing. Your blogs help keep me updated!
Thanks so much! stayed tuned for an update to this post soon. It’s been a while since I wrote it and have a lot of new stuff to add (and stories).
Ill be waiting for your updates! I forgot to mention my toddlers diagnosis of autism. Your blogs on this topic would really help another dietitian mom!
Hi I know this article is mainly about children, but I am 23 years old and I have been living with this my whole life! I don’t know what to do anymore because it has completely taken over. I want to be healthy and I am trying so hard to loose weight but because I am such a very picky water probably eat less than 15 different things I am worried I am susceptible to becoming malnutrioned. I only eat 3 fruits and absolutely no vegetables I can’t get them anywhere near my mouth or I gag I gag from the smell alone. I don’t know what to do anymore! Please help! I want to loose weight but I want to be healthy about it!
I’m having similar issues with my sons eating habits, he is 2 years 4 months, he has always been picky and will never try new foods we have tried and tried, he used to eat a good vegetable, tomato meat type dinners every day and suddenly stopped. He now eats only cheese, cerilac (seems to be his main meal 3 times a day with milk), yoghurts, Pringles, French fries, bread, organix crisps, bananas, omlette and rice sometimes. basically all white/cream colored foods. I’m really worried. We have tried everything possible.:-( any advice is most appreciated. Going out to eat is sad as I see him not eating and I want him to enjoy foods, nursery he will only eat slices of cheese and bread.
Samira — this article should help you decide whether or not to seek help. Kids do typically get picky around 2pm but ther eare some red flags to be aware of. If you have any more questions feel free to email me at [email protected]
http://www.maryannjacobsen.com/2013/08/the-nagging-question-every-parent-of-a-picky-eater-asks-part-2/
The issue of being a picky eater never bothered me until now, I am 25 y.o., and trying to conceive. My husband and myself are concerned that first of all I will not be able to provide enough nourishment during a pregnancy…and although he believes its just a matter of trying new foods, I know that it is much more difficult than that. Instead of broadening my range of foods that I eat…it is getting smaller as I get older. This Thanksgiving my plate will consist of the same foods it has for the past 20 Thanksgivings…bread w/butter, mashed potatoes (if there aren’t any lumps), green olives (if they’re soft), and cranberry sauce (if it’s the jelly kind, from the can..not actual cranberries).
In my head I know this is not normal…I’m also a nurse. I mentioned to my PCP a few years ago about this issue, but his reply was that everyone has there little quirks. I just need to know if there is anyway to go about treating this…I don’t want my future children to pick up on this horrible fear of trying new foods.
Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated.
Stephanie,
I suggest you see a registered dietitian that specializes in eating disorders and has worked with selective eating. She/he can may be able to help you eat more foods and develop a plan to meet your needs during pregnancy. I also suggest you visit this website as Duke is studying adult picky eating http://www.dukehealth.org/clinicaltrials/the_food_fad_study_finicky_eating_in_adults Some one there might be able to help you too.
Good luck and don’t stop until you get the help you need!
Maryann
Wow thank you for this. I have a just turned 2 year old who i believe is a selective eater. As you say he only eats white foods. Basically bread, yogurt, chicken nuggets and potato. He has been this way since the introduction of solids slthough now refuses anything new or slightly different in appearance for instance if his nuggets are deep fryed and therefore slightly crunchier he wont eat them, his bread always has to be the same brand, cut, colour etc. if its not the way he has it he just wont touch it. He doesnt maje a big deal he just wont eat. I have often thought about seeking help but here is the catch, my partner, his father is exactly the same and suffered alot of anxiety as a child through ‘people forcing him’ so he does not support the idea of seeking help. I dont know what to do. I offer new foods at every meal but he wont even touch them.
This article should be of more help in terms of help etc. Let me know if you have any questions http://www.maryannjacobsen.com/2013/08/the-nagging-question-every-parent-of-a-picky-eater-asks-part-2/
As for your partner, let him know that help is not about forcing a child — and if it is it is bad therapy! Let him know an evaluation will just let you know if he has any issues like sensory or even medical.
Hi my daughter is 17 months old now. And only want’s to eat white food like in the article, Marconi, spaghetti, bread with no butter, cheese, drinks milk. Sometimes see will try meat like biltong and dry word. She doesn’t wont to eat vegetables at all. Dry fruits she will eat but only pear, and apricot. When she was a baby she ate all her purity food. I have also noticed that she like to eat food which she can hold in her hand like fish fingers. I am worried now and where do i start. ?? And may this way of eating in the future effect her learning ability’s and growth?
My son started being picky at 9mos of age when he had 6 teeth come in at once. He was already on solid food and he stopped those only to eat crunchy foods. While eating baby food he would not eat fruit, only vegetables. Now at age 8 he only eats simple carbs and chicken nuggets fish sticks and grilled cheese. He is definitely a texture eater and stubborn. He has some extreme reactions to trying new foods. How can I help him? He is definitely still growing and healthy but I know his body can go without essential nutrients for so long.
I would get an evaluation. The end of this post has resources for you. Good luck! http://www.maryannjacobsen.com/2013/08/the-nagging-question-every-parent-of-a-picky-eater-asks-part-2/
Has anyone tried, thought of or consulted a doctor about trying medical marijuana? My son does not eat but maybe 3-4 things. He’s 8 years old and lives on pop tarts and milk. He is high functioning autistic and has been to several therapists, dietitians, pediatrician, psychiatrists, etc since he was 2 1/2. No luck or progress at all even with all of these professionals involved. I am passed the point of therapy since we’ve tried it several times with no success. Kaiser is useless. I’m thinking radically either trying medical mmj or a feeding tube, which I’ve brought up to my sons pediatrician with no help. Any suggestions would be helpful!
My 7-year-old daughter has a selective eating disorder. She doesn’t have any signs of an autistic spectrum disorder or any other developmental disorder. However, her selective eating causes everyone (including her) a great deal of stress, especially as she is growing older. You mentioned medical marijuana and I wanted to respond because this is something I have also questioned. With the increasing legality of marijuana and the increased interest in developing medicines using marijuana, it seems there might eventually be some interest in this area. If you read the comments in this article: http://www.kartiniclinic.com/blog/post/selective-eating/
you will find one mother who mentions that her son’s journey toward learning to eat normally began after he discovered marijuana in middle school. The comment is quite a way into the comments section…so keep reading until you find it.
I am not a supporter of illegal drug use…but I do believe that the solution to a selective eating disorder lies in the development of a neurological treatment. I’m a clinical psychologist by profession and would normally feel the answer would be a behavioral/environmental one. In the case of selective eating, however, I truly think we are dealing with a biological/neurological condition.
I am glad I am not alone. My son will be 3 in a few weeks and his daily consumption is just teddy grams and milk usually. he will eat goldfish plain crackers sometimes. I used to be able to get him to eat baby food but he won’t anymore and everything I put in front of him is a gamble which usually ends up with him not eating. He is growing fine so the pediatrician said not to worry for now (last i talked about it with him was awhile ago). He is going to get evaluated by the school district soon because his preschool noticed some behaviors he has that they recommended him getting evaluated at least by a speech therapist. Needless to say I am glad I’m not the only one and i swear i think people think i am kidding when i say he won’t eat anything.
My daughter is 5 1/2 and, to me, eats an appropriate amount for her age. She may have slight sensory issues and she is quite stubborn. Her appetite varies wildly and she isn’t interested in anything with sauce or strange consistency. She does not eat ketchup or syrup even. She DOES eat most fruit, steak, chicken in a variety of forms. Cheese, lunch meat, bread, bacon. She is willing, but not happy about “the one bite rule” at dinner. She’ll try vegetables but can’t stand them. She will not eat most side dishes including mac and cheese (see sauce concern above!) Will eat dry cereal but doesn’t like milk on it (but will drink a glass of milk with it). I’m fine with all of this. I am not panicking. I think she’ll gradually learn to eat and will be fine. My husband, on the other hand, has decided that I’ve ruined her. That her lack of interest in trying new things is all my fault. That he should take over with mealtime. So last night involved a lot of crying (on her part), yelling (on his part). Her lovey got taken away. She sat on the stairs. And eventually gagged her way through about 1/2 cup of chicken, 1/4 cup each of rice and broccoli. I do think those are all lovely healthy foods that should be part of her diet. I don’t think the portion size was too much (unless she honestly wasn’t hungry). I just don’t think he’s going about it the right way and nothing I say can seem to make him understand that no one really agrees with the torture that our parents put us through. Just because we might have sat at the the table for hours growing up doesn’t mean that was the right thing to do. Ugh. I need advice… either on how to help my child, or how to deal with my husband.
Cynthia,
I’m sorry about this. It can be really hard when parents don’t agree on feeding style. Is your husband willing to read a book or at least part of a book? You could get my book Fearless Feeding which reviews the science on feeding styles (chapter 1) and then provides age-specific advice. Also, anything by Ellyn Satter is good. This post in particular http://www.maryannjacobsen.com/2012/07/what-forcing-kids-to-eat-looks-like-20-years-later/ has a lot of comments from people who have been forced to eat. If he’s willing to look into it, he get more information on why his strategies are ineffective. Here’s another article that might be helpful http://www.huffingtonpost.com/melanie-r-silverman-ms-rd-ibclc/is-your-picky-eater-ruining-your-marriage_b_6618074.html
I think your daughter is pretty typical and with pleasant meals and exposure, she will be just fine. Here are my top tips for feeding http://www.maryannjacobsen.com/2014/02/15-of-the-all-time-best-strategies-for-raising-healthy-eaters/
if I would believe my mother and family I never was a picky eater until I turned 9 years old. I still am a picky eater and I’m turning 19. I was wondering how you can reconize this eating disorder it is not very clear to me
Everything about this article is wrong! My 10 year old daughter has lost more than 30 lbs because of her picky eating. I been to all the professionals all they tell me is there is nothing wrong with her. Well, hello and 10 year old should not weight 49 lbs especially when she is 4’5″ Almost reaching my height and still able to fit into her two year old brothers clothes! ALl the “professionals say keep encouraging her to eat. She is nasty skin and bones that is all the advice they can give me. They said if she continues to lose weight then we can hospitalized her and put a feeding tube but she hasn’t lost anymore weight but just maintaining her 49 lbs not to put in considerations that her body is still growing and still getting taller.
Have you seen a pediatric dietitian? Has anyone ruled out an eating disorder?
Out daughter will be 4 in April. She was breastfed until she was 11 months old. She enjoyed eating when she was little. She enjoyed self feeding and ate a good variety of foods. When she was 2ish mealtimes became an absolute nightmare. Even foods she asked for sat on her plate. She refuses to self feed and she could “fool around” for over an hour if we let her. She is involed in the meal prep process and helps setting the table. We routinely sit at the table and have dinner together. I am at my wits end and dread ALL mealtimes now as they turn into fights. We have tried sticker charts…but nothing motivates her. What can I do? We don’t want to threaten or force her to eat! She is almost 4 and weighs 27lbs!!! Its an absolute power struggle and I have NO idea what to do anymore!
My daughter is 8 years old and lately every meal time is an absolute nightmare. She refuses to try anything new and makes a huge fuss. I’ve tried both a soft approach and a firm approach but it still ends in tears. Meal times are limited and breakfast is rarely eaten. I don’t know whether to keep persevering or just let her eat what she likes!?
You might want to check out this post to see if she needs help http://www.maryannjacobsen.com/2013/08/the-nagging-question-every-parent-of-a-picky-eater-asks-part-2/
My book From Picky to Powerful can help too http://www.amazon.com/Picky-Powerful-Transform-Outlook-Battles-ebook/dp/B00P4TN356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414986273&sr=8-1&keywords=from+picky+to+powerful
Hi my daughter is 15, and she hates eating. She wont eat at Mcdonalds anymore Tacobell, Kfc, Wendys.. I don’t know what to do you would think teens would not want to eat the healthy food but she wont even eat fruits or vegetables . All she wants to eat is mozzarella sticks everyday which is so disappointing because theres nothing I can cook to please her. She says its the texture of foods like meats. She hasn’t drank milk sence she was little. Everything she used to love she wont eat. She also does not like anything with sauce? Does this sound like selective eating disorder ?
I would definitely get her check out. This page has more resources http://www.maryannjacobsen.com/2013/08/the-nagging-question-every-parent-of-a-picky-eater-asks-part-2/
oops I posted it two times
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Do you have any recommendations to help fix this issue?
i have a 10 yr old son , who has been picky since age 5 , last year he was diagnois with adhd and put on medicine started with lowest dose ,,,, dr. concern is he was only 45 pounds when he was diagnois and the medicine is a appetite sepresent so he will never tell me he is hungry ,, His dr recomend he see a specilast for eating disorder since he has barley gain 5 pounds in 9 months he been on adhd meds. he was put on a antishitime this is supose to boost his hunger … ( he does have allergies so this medicine help so much here ,, . I personally feel i have a picky eater i cant see how this would be a eating disorder . It is a battle to get him to try new foods . he loves to go out to eat as long as they have things he likes on menu ( chicken , pizza , waffle/ pancakes , ) i have been trying every tip i have gotten , or read and just cant seem to find a way tog et him to eat ,
he is a very active boy he is on the go 24-7 . been told his father was under 5 ft all the way up to his senior year ,, now his dad is 6 ft tall still thin … .. any new advise ?
I need help my eight year olds diet has no nutritional value I am noticing that he is losing hair and I am so very concerned
Make an appointment with his pediatrician. He needs a doctor’s attention. Ask for a referral to a pediatric dietitian.
I have taken him to several and they all say he will grow out of it and he has been this way since he was 5. I am getting frustrated with doctors
Take him to a feeding therapist instead.
my daughter is 17 shes been picky since before i can even remember. now all she eats is junk foods and im scared shes at a health risk because me and her dad kinda gave up on making her eat what we have for dinner she don’t eat sometimes and shes been having stomach problems i just don’t know what to do.
Have you talked to her about it? Has is affected her socially? Can she eat at other people’s house and in social situations. Usually teens realize its a problem and are open to getting help. There are resources for professional help at the end of this post http://www.maryannjacobsen.com/2013/08/the-nagging-question-every-parent-of-a-picky-eater-asks-part-2/
My son is 12 years old. He was born with severe acid reflux. I believe when he was younger some foods caused pain and that’s where his resistance started. He has declined every year. He is 5’8 and looks extremely healthy. His food choices are limited to only carbs but will only eat one brand of nuggets and one brand of protein shakes. He makes bad food choices at school when I’m not with him. Do I take all of his food choices away until he tries new brands? He is extremely active. He is an athlete. Any advice?
Hi, i am very worried about my girlfriend who is 21 years old. I know she struggles with anxiety, nothing diagnosed. But one of the biggest problems i dont know how to handle is her eating habits. She gets extremely defensive, and will even cry if i try and talk about food with her. As long as ive known her she has only eaten grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, cheeseballs, mozerella sticks (no red sauce of course), gold fish, pretzels. And that is it. Never tried anything else. If i bring up facts, she says “accept me for who i am, or that she has a cousin who is just as picky and that her parents were pickey and grew out of it. I have no idea what to do, and while others act like im crazy for even caring, it literally takes a toll on our relationship when i have to go on steak dinner dates with my sister. Reading this really hit me hard because i feel hopeless and that her parents didnt address this like they should have and now it is much too late.
My 9 year old son is extremely fussey and dinner times are becoming a battle field, he likes nuggets chips and pasta but will not try vegetables or anything new please help
Hi Lisa,
Did you read the rest of the series? I go on to help you decide if your child needs help. I outline all of this in my book From Picky to Powerful.