During the holidays, we’re all thinking about the different kinds of yummy food that is associated with the season — but what do you do when you have a child that is selective when it comes to food? Unfamiliar foods and the change in regular eating routines can sometimes be a challenge for children (and adults!) who have specific dietary preferences.
In this blog post, we’ll provide some suggestions to help navigate the holiday season with a picky eater. Remember, the goal of holiday meals isn't just about the food. It's about spending time together as a family, so don't stress too much if your child only eats a bit of turkey and a roll. The most important thing is that everyone enjoys the holiday spirit.
1. Be patient with your picky eater.
Avoid forcing them to try everything on the table. Instead, let them choose what they want to eat. This can help reduce both stress and anxiety and promote a positive association with food.
2. Consider serving a tiny portion of a new food along with “safe foods”.
This is a very small amount of a new food that they can try without feeling overwhelmed. If they don't like it, they can simply say no thank you and move on.
3. Maintain your regular eating schedule as much as possible during the holidays.
Your family's regular eating routine can help keep your child on track with their meals. Remember, it's perfectly okay if they don't eat as much during holiday gatherings. They can always eat a more familiar meal when they get home.
4. Feed them ahead of an event, as this will minimize stress for parents.
Nothing is worse than feeling the stress and pressure of arriving to an event and realizing that your child won’t eat any of the food. To avoid this, try feeding your child a meal at home before heading out for the gathering.
5. Build positive associations with celebratory meals.
Along with the festive savory foods, holiday sweets are almost impossible to avoid. It is important to strike a balance when it comes to eating a nutritious meal and gobbling holiday treats. Teach your child that all food is neutral but each has their superpower. Some foods are growing foods that are good for your body, and other foods are good for the soul. Both are essential for overall happiness.
6. Communicate your child's eating preferences to your friends and family members.
This will help them understand and accommodate your child's dietary needs which could be due to allergies, health concerns, or personal choices. Open lines of communication can prevent misunderstandings and make shared meals a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
The holidays are about creating memories and spending time with loved ones, so be sure to keep the focus on the memories you create together, rather than the food. With a little planning and a lot of patience, you can help your picky eater enjoy the holiday season just as much as everyone else. And please remember that Little Otter offers evaluation and services for children when additional support is needed. Get started below!
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