Mealtimes can be a constant food fight. Dr. Kalpana Kumari hears it all the time from parents at her Rise & Shine Pediatrics practice in South Plainfield: a frustrated parent explaining that their child will only eat white bread and chicken nuggets.
Here’s how she advises frustrated parents with picky eaters.
Between ages one and three, your child's growth rate slows compared to the rapid gains of infancy. As a result, their appetite decreases. This is also the age when toddlers begin to assert their independence. Food is one of the few things they can control. Neophobia, or the fear of new foods, often peaks during these years as a protective evolutionary instinct.
It’s helpful to remember that your job is to provide nutritious options, and your child’s job is to decide how much to eat. This division of responsibility reduces power struggles at the table. If your child is growing well and has plenty of energy, they're likely getting the calories they need, even if it doesn't happen at every single meal.
Persistence is key when dealing with a limited palate. Studies suggest it can take up to fifteen exposures to a new food before a child will even try it. Don’t give up after the first refusal. Try serving a small learning portion of a new vegetable alongside a food they already love.
Avoid the urge to bribe your child with dessert in exchange for eating broccoli. This reinforces the idea that vegetables are a chore and sweets are a reward. Instead, make the dinner table a pressure-free zone. Involve your toddler in grocery shopping or let them help stir a bowl. When children feel they’ve played a role in the meal preparation, they're much more likely to take a bite.
While most picky eating is a phase, it can sometimes indicate an underlying issue, such as sensory processing disorder or a physical swallowing difficulty. If your child is losing weight, seems lethargic, or skips entire food groups for weeks at a time, it's time for a professional evaluation.
At Rise & Shine Pediatrics, Dr. Kumari evaluates the whole child. She checks for nutritional deficiencies, such as iron-deficiency anemia, which can result from a very restricted diet. A multivitamin might be helpful, but it's best to consult with us before starting any supplements.
If you're worried about your child's growth or eating habits, call the office at 908-205-0632 or request an appointment online. We also offer telemedicine visits.
