Kids Meals: The big mistakes parents make when dealing with a fussy eater

My own son was the world's fussiest eater so believe me when I say I know how you feel if you've entered the dreaded 'fussy phase.'

There is often no rhyme or reason as to why children go through picky phases and in fact, to reassure you - 90 per cent of children go through at least one lengthy stage of fussy eating so you're not alone!

In fact, a recent study by Deakin University's Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition IPAN found that some mealtime strategies used by parents of fussy eaters might be inadvertently turning their children into even fussier eaters. ?

Shot of two confused looking children looking at vegetables on a plate that their parents expect them to eat while sitting around a table at home — Many kids go through the 'fussy eating' stage. (Getty)

However, I understand that when you're at your wits' end you will try anything to get your mini fuss pot to eat, even if it means using certain techniques we know deep down aren't sustainable in the long run.

So, here are some of the most common mistakes I see when it comes to dealing with fussy eating and some helpful hints on how you can get mealtimes back on track!

Falling back on fail-safe favourites

Only giving them the foods they enjoy will only escalate their fussiness and deprive them of the essential nutrients they need to grow and develop. Children (especially toddlers) will quite easily like one thing one day and turn their nose up at it the next, so persevere!

A completely new plate of food can immediately put them into 'no' mode so a good tip is to offer a small amount of a familiar (and favourite) food alongside something new. You can also try separating ingredients on the plate so they're not immediately trying to pick things out!

Sometimes it's about preparing their favourite foods in different ways. Perhaps they enjoy pizza so why not task them with topping a tortilla base with lots of different healthy and colourful ingredients? Or is fish and chips their favourite? If so, then try making your own with tasty and nutritious sweet potato chips.

Giving their fussy outbursts too much attention

Picky eaters at whatever age and stage can certainly test us! However, the golden rule is to hide any frustrations, and instead give them lots of praise when they eat well.

Annabel Karmel has been helping parents feed fussy eaters for over 30 years. (Supplied)

Yes, this may mean that you have to ignore some bad behaviour and instead focus your attention on their good behaviour, but by doing this, mealtimes are likely to be less stressful and more enjoyable.

They will soon find there's not much point making a fuss if you don't react.

Unfortunately, there is often no rhyme or reason as to why children go through picky phases. I often say that a hungry child is a less fussy child. If your child refuses the meals that you give them, it's sometimes not such a bad thing to say 'fine you are obviously not hungry' and let them go and play.

Long drawn out mealtimes where you are constantly looking for something to tempt your child can be stressful and very unenjoyable for everyone.

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Serving big portion sizes

Whether you've been landed with a fussy eater or not, don't insist on them eating a big portion as this can often be overwhelming for a small child. Instead, keep mealtimes calm and casual.

Rather than portion size, focus more on introducing variety, encouraging curiosity and cultivating healthy eating. Eating a full plate isn't important. Instead, get them to try a few mouthfuls of everything and try not to make it into a big deal if they don't.

Offer them a taster of something new in the form of a 'grown-up' starter �C a little teacup or saucer of vegetables that they could try in addition to their main meal.

Children also often like to eat with their fingers so serve up some fritters, frittata muffins or veggie sticks with hummus, guacamole or salsa dips.

Overlooking the importance of shared mealtimes

If you can sit down to eat together, do it. Kids are so impressionable �C they'll want what you're having, so try new healthy nutritious foods with them. Enthusiasm is contagious.

I know it's hard with busy schedules and trying to fit it all in but try and stick to family tea at least once a week �Cthere is no magic number but if you aim for at least two to three family meals a week then you're on the right track.

To make the most of these occasions, try to ensure that everyone gets the chance to talk and join in the conversation. You could also let the children choose the menu. It will make them feel included and make it a lot easier in encouraging them to sit down at the dinner table (and hopefully eat their dinner!)

Tailor mealtimes to your family - it might be that breakfast or weekend lunches are slightly easier to bring the troops together �C it's all about figuring out how to fit in with your family's routine.

Annabel Karmel app. — Karmel's app has over 650 recipe ideas for parents. (Supplied)

Thinking you're outsmarting them by hiding vegetables

My own fussy-eating son could spot what I thought was a 'hidden' veggie a mile off! So, I started to blend sauces containing lots of different vegetables �C what they can't see they can't pick out.

Hiding herbs and veggies is step one and a quick and easy solution but it is also important to educate them on different ingredients, where they come from and why you like them yourself.

Children follow by example. Be up front about fruit and vegetables. Tell them where they come from and why they are so good for you.

Giving them facts is likely to make them more interested about what they are eating. Why not try playing an after-school guessing game and blindfold each child before introducing a new food and ask them to guess what it is.

Grow your own. My kids used to get so excited growing cress in egg cups. Growing your own doesn't require a huge garden or equipment.

Get your kids growing their own herbs or sprouting seeds in little pots on window shelves. Doing this can get them really excited about food.

Annabel's #1 rated recipe app is filled with over 650 simple and delicious ideas, PLUS new recipes every week. Visit the App Store or Google Play and start your FREE trial today.

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