Ten things I wish I’d known about picky eating: Words of wisdom from parents who have been there

This week’s post is a little different. Today, you’ve done the hard work instead of me!

I asked parents in the facebook group I run with Australian feeding professional, Simone Emery, (Parenting Picky Eaters), to share one thing they wish they had known, back when they started out on their journey with their child’s picky eating.

These are parents who have been working on their child’s relationship with food for a while and are now confident about their parenting and are taking steps forward, however small.

I was blown away by the wisdom offered in response to my question and I’ve boiled it down to ten pieces of advice. Follow these, and you won’t be going far wrong.

1. Remember that it’s not your fault and you’re a good parent, no matter what people say.
2. Back off – removing mealtime pressure is so important. “Pressure to eat includes coaxing, cajoling, bribery rewards and even praise”
3. Stay calm and relaxed at mealtimes – “children will get anxious at the table when they see that you’re stressed”
4. Don’t allow others to comment on your child’s eating in their presence – this can really influence how they view themselves
5. Be empathic – put yourself in your child’s shoes and try to appreciate that “your child sees food in a very different way from you”
6. Trust your child “they can learn the art of self-regulation if left in control of how much they wish to eat”
7. Reduce your anxiety about your child’s diet – “treat all foods equally and as an opportunity to learn new skills”
8. Let your child help you cook – a great way to provide pressure-free opportunities to interact with food
9. Enjoy the social side of meals “ Make a it a time of family communication and togetherness, even if one of you chooses not to eat!”
10. Progress takes time and patience -“slow and steady almost always wins the race!”

It was SO hard to choose what to include because –  honestly – there were so many great insights offered. Group members can check out the full post here. Anyone concerned about their child’s eating or just looking for a bit of non-judgemental support, is very welcome to join.

If you could travel back in time and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be? Is it on this list? Share in the comments or in the group. It is all very well for us professionals to talk about positive feeding practices and share research evidence, but sometimes what is needed is to hear from other parents who have walked the same road you are setting out along.