Why Is My Child A Picky Eater?

Parents frequently wonder whether picky eating is normal or if it could indicate an underlying issue like sensory sensitivities, oral motor challenges, or behavioral patterns.

Picky eating can stem from a variety of factors, many of which are normal during certain stages of development. For example, toddlers often experience a phase of food neophobia, where they are cautious about trying new foods as a natural survival instinct. However, in some cases, picky eating may be linked to underlying issues such as sensory sensitivities, where certain textures, smells, or tastes feel overwhelming, or oral motor challenges, which make chewing or swallowing specific foods difficult. Behavioral patterns can also play a role, as children may use food refusal to assert independence or as a response to mealtime stress. If picky eating significantly limits the variety of foods your child eats or leads to nutritional concerns, it may be helpful to consult a pediatrician or feeding specialist to address any potential underlying causes.

Sensory sensitivities and learned avoidance behaviors are common challenges that we see in children struggling with feeding issues. Sensory sensitivities can make certain textures, smells, or even the appearance of food overwhelming, leading to discomfort or distress during mealtimes. These negative experiences often result in learned avoidance behaviors, where children refuse foods or entire food groups to prevent the unpleasant sensations they associate with eating.

In our practice, we focus on creating positive, low-pressure experiences around food to help children gradually build trust and tolerance. This might involve sensory desensitization strategies, such as allowing the child to explore foods through touch and smell before tasting, or introducing small, incremental changes to preferred foods to expand their diet. Addressing learned avoidance often requires identifying the triggers and working collaboratively with families to establish consistent and supportive mealtime routines.

By approaching these challenges with a combination of sensory integration techniques and behavioral support, we aim to help children feel safe and empowered to explore new foods, ultimately promoting healthier eating habits and reducing stress for both the child and their family.