Is your child a picky eater? Has it become an uncomfortable power struggle at mealtime? Join us as we chat with Child’sPlay therapy center in Birmingham.
Published: August 31, 2018
By: Sponsored by Child’sPlay Therapy Center
Author Website: Click to Visit
Lots of kids are picky eaters. They may not eat their vegetables, or they may prefer only a few of the same kinds of foods. Children may even turn this into an uncomfortable power struggle at mealtime.
Some kids, however, can have a more difficult time with more extensive symptoms. They may have problems with various textures, tastes, or presentations of food. These issues can arise from poor sensory processing and can have behavioral components, as well. If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing a food aversion, ask yourself the following questions.
- Does your child have trouble touching various non-preferred food items?
- Does your child seem to become anxious around mealtime or when new foods are presented?
- Is your child limited to less than one or two foods in each food group?
- Is it difficult to achieve a balanced diet due to your child’s lack of choices?
- Do you find yourself having to prepare the same foods or visit the same restaurants based solely on what your child will eat?
- Has feeding and mealtime become a source of tension in your family?
- Does your child gag or retch when presented with a new or non-preferred food?
- Is your child limited to certain brands or packaging in the foods that he eats?
If you answer “yes” to more than two or three of these, then you may consider talking to your pediatrician about whether or not an occupational therapy evaluation is indicated. A Child’sPlay occupational therapist will work with you and your child to improve their tolerance of a variety of foods and make mealtimes more enjoyable for the whole family! If you think your child is a “problem feeder,” call Child’sPlay today for a free screening!
