How can I effectively discuss my child’s picky eating with my pediatrician?

Aarone Cefalo OTD, OTR/L

When you have a child who is a picky eater you often have feelings of stress, worry, and frustration. As their parents you often feel anxious about if they are getting the nutrition their body needs. You feel frustrated with the battle of getting them to learn about or try new foods. You begin to worry about the long term effects of their picky eating habits.

It is important to advocate to your pediatrician when you have a child who is a picky eater and causing you concern related to their health or well-being. Pediatricians can provide you with information and resources to help you deal with picky eating. They can also be a resource to help you monitor your child's growth and development to make sure they are healthy.

Here are some tips to advocate for them with your pediatrician: 

• Be prepared to discuss your child's eating habits in detail. 

  ○ Include what they do and don't eat, how much they eat, and how often they eat. ○ It's also helpful to track your child's food intake for a few days before your appointment. This will help the doctor understand what your child is eating and drinking on a daily basis. 

• Be honest about your concerns. 

• Don't be afraid to ask for a referral. 

• Do your own research. 

  ○ Read books and articles, and talk to other parents of picky eaters. 

  ○ This will help you to understand the issue better and to be more prepared to advocate for your child. 

• Be assertive. 

  ○ If you feel like your doctor is not listening to you, or if you're not getting the help you need, don't hesitate to ask for what you want. 

• Ask for information and resources. 

• Be patient and persistent. 

  ○ It may take some time for your doctor to understand your child's needs and develop a plan to help them. Be patient and persistent, and continue to advocate for your child. 

• Remember that you are the expert on your child. 

  ○ You know your child better than anyone else. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to question the doctor if you have any concerns. 

Here are some examples of things you could say: 

• I am concerned about my child’s nutrition due to their picky eating. 

• I am worried about the long term effects of picky eating for my child. 

• I have tried multiple things to help my child be interested in a wider range of foods but it has been unsuccessful. 

• I am feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and frustrated with the constant food battles between my child and I.

• I feel that feeding therapy would be beneficial for my child. Can you help refer me to a feeding specialist that provides feeding therapy?

Things you can do at home to help with picky eating while waiting for a referral to a feeding specialist: 

• Create a positive mealtime atmosphere. 

  ○ Make mealtimes fun and enjoyable for your child. 

  ○ Avoid using food as a reward or punishment. 

• Offer new foods in a variety of ways. 

  ○ Try cutting food into different shapes, serving it with different dips or sauces, or cooking it in different ways. 

• Don't force your child to eat. 

  ○ If your child refuses to eat a particular food, don't force them. 

• Be a good role model. 

  ○ Demonstrate the different ways to learn about food other than just taking a bite(ex: squishing it, touching it with a utensil, cutting it, smelling it, describing it, etc.)

Remember, you are the best advocate for your children. By being prepared, honest, patient, persistent, and assertive, you can help your child get the care and support they need, as well as the care and support you need as their parent. Also remember, you are not alone. Picky eating is a common problem, and there are many resources available to help you and your child including feeding therapy.