We all try and give our children the best and when it comes to food it is no different. However, we do know that sometimes children will only eat anything if it is covered in tomato ketchup. We understand the frustration it can cause when you have spent time cooking away to then place it in front of them and be met with that dreaded phrase " I don’t like ...." Yes. That dreaded phrase! Well you liked it yesterday. And you loved it last week? But now you do not like it? Urgh!
There can be many reasons as to why children go through "fussy" phases with food. Sometimes this will last a week, sometimes it will last a lot longer.
Sometimes it can be sensory dislike to certain things, whether they do not like the smell, the taste, the texture or even the look of a certain food, sometimes it can even be overwhelming! Imagine that feeling of a cherry tomato popping in your mouth. To some it’s an explosion of taste but to others it’s an overwhelming attack on the senses. Although this does seem rather harsh and possibly over the top for some this can be an issue.
Another possible cause can be that a child has developed and understanding of comparison and exploring what they like and dislike, they have realised and started to learn the differences and similarities in tastes and textures and what they prefer.
Often it can be that a child has built in self-confidence and is showing their independence and ability to make choices. Whether this be that they do not like broccoli this week or that they want to wear a blue top that day, it can be shown in many ways and the food they decide to eat is often one of the ways they choose to show this.
So, what can we do to support this?
We can firstly follow their lead. This doesn’t mean ice cream for 3 meals a day. But to listen to what they are trying to say. If they say they are full then maybe their body is telling them they do not need any more at the moment, or if they don’t want to eat that certain food today then explain they do not have to eat it if they do not want to that day. Do not force the issue if they have decided to not eat it that day. But do keep offering! When children understand their voice matters, they will grow confident and not be afraid to share their point of view when they get older.
Another thing we as adults can do to support this is to continue offering a variety. Think about the way we cook things, try different things in different ways. They don’t like the
steamed broccoli? well next time try it roasted with garlic or made into a soup or savoury muffins. Do you know that old saying " you eat with your eyes”? It’s so true! A colourful plate of food that has a variety of textures, tastes and flavours always looks more inviting than a plate of beige (however there is also nothing wrong with having a plate of beige food every
Another large part we play in supporting positive relationships with food as adults is to be role models. That does not mean you have to sit there and eat brussels everyday even though you cannot stand them, but to model the openness to trying new foods and to eat a variety of meals.
By doing all the above and showing children that food can be fun and interesting as well as showing the benefits foods carry for our bodies. ( e.g. to give us energy like batteries or to help our bones grow strong, or our hair to be silky) we can help children nurture positive relationships with food, to be curious about it, what it tastes like, where it comes from, how it grows and even who grows it.
I will be sharing recipes every now and then in this blog space. The recipes will be easily adaptable for any dietary requirements and simple to do. You can even encourage the children to join in with you! (keep your eyes peeled for a post outlining the benefits of allowing children to help around the home in the future!)
Terrie and the Squirrels X
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