Top tips to help picky eating at Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time for people to get together, visit family and enjoy a meals together, but if you have a picky eater it can also be a stressful time. Not only dealing with the change in environment and routine that can cause challenges, but also in dealing with relatives who may not understand the difficulties parents and children faces with picky eating, or take offence at your child refusing their food!

If this is you and you're concerned about how to deal with 'helpful' family comments and challenging situations when in different houses then these tips are for you!

1. Get in touch with family - Family members may not know about or understand the challenges you and your child are dealing with, getting in touch and explaining in advance can really help. Letting them know your situation and what would help you (quiet mealtimes, no pressure, certain foods) is important so they can understand and support you, most families will want to help and be keen to understand how they can.

   
   

2. What does your child need? Is it special cutlery, a particular meal time, child sized table, one type of food they always ask for, or avoid, food separate on a plate? Whatever it is, plan it in advance so you can keep your routine and keep mealtimes familiar and stress free for your child.

   
   

3. Avoid overwhelm: Some children may find a table full of adults they don't usually eat with and lots of noise overwhelming, consider if they would benefit from a separate dinner time, usually earlier in a quiet environment with just parents there. They can still join and be part of the family meal later with a snack, this may also take pressure off you and you can enjoy your meal without worrying what they are eating.

   
   

4. Trust Your Instincts

   You know your child best. Families often want to help by offering advice or strategies that worked “back in their day.” It’s kind to listen, but it’s also completely okay to hold your boundaries. A gentle, “Thank you, we’ve found what works for us,” is all you need.

   
   

5. Talk to your child: Christmas is so exciting but can also be overwhelming for children, it can help to explain to your child what is happening and that meal times may be different at family members houses or when the family visit. Prepare them by telling them who will be there and the type of foods they may have so it's not a surprise, and let them know that your there to help them and to talk to you if they are worried.

   
   

If you would like to chat about challenges with your child's picky eating or would like support with your children's diet then book a call by emailing info@sarahmorrisnutrition.com