What are the reasons for being picky eaters?

Although picky eaters are the norm in the development of young children, if this phenomenon continues into the school years, both children and parents will have to pay a price

Now, a new study by the University of Southern California, the University of South Australia, and the University of Queensland provides a better understanding of what affects picky eaters and what is more likely to increase or decrease picky eating in children under 10

The study reviewed 80 studies in the health industry and found that a series of factors contributed to the possibility of children becoming picky eaters

Studies have found that parents who force their children to eat, give rewards, and are very strict will have a negative impact on picky eaters

Lead researcher Ryan Chilman, a PhD student at the University of Southern California, said the research hopes to help parents and caregivers better understand children's picky eating behaviors

Chilman said: "For parents who are picky eaters, meal times can be particularly stressful-keeping a balance between family dinners and picky eaters is not easy

"There are children in some families who are dismissive of any vegetables

"Some of these preferences are related to the child's characteristics or personality, and it is difficult to change even if there are

“Eating together as a family, eating with siblings, and eating a meal regularly, these all help reduce food pickiness

"However, if picky eaters are allowed to eat in front of TV, or if they are rewarded for eating certain foods, these behaviors will have a negative impact on picky eaters

According to the Australian Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, most children do not meet the recommended diet and nutrition guidelines

UniSA researcher Dr.

Dr.

"However, it is important to understand that public anxiety or worry can actually lead to more picky eaters

"Avoid anger during meals and limit any negative emotions.

"No matter how difficult the situation is, active parenting is the best step for discerning diners

Tips to help picky diners

1. Set a good example: families who eat together have better eating habits

2. Schedule regular meal times: Regular meal times can reduce stress levels
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3. Involve children in food preparation: familiarity and a sense of control can help

4. Try to eat at the same time: sitting alone will encourage picky eaters

5. Turn off the TV: focus on the food, not the screen

6. Try to keep the meal time calm and stress-free: this is a better experience for everyone
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7. Eliminate rewards, bribes, or punishments for picky eaters
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Journal Reference :

1. Laine Chilman, Ann Kennedy-Behr, Thuy Frakking, Libby Swanepoel, Michele Verdonck.
   Picky Eating in Children: A Scoping Review to Examine Its Intrinsic and Extrinsic Features and How They Relate to Identification .
   International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 2021; 18 (17): 9067 DOI: 10.
   3390/ijerph18179067