Cleveland Clinic Dietitian Gives Tips for Helping Parents Tackle Picky Eating Habits in Children

CLEVELAND – Dealing with a picky eater can be a challenge for many parents, but understanding the underlying causes and adopting thoughtful strategies can make a big difference, according to experts at Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

Jennifer Hyland, a registered dietitian, explains that picky eating often begins in toddlerhood as children assert their independence. “It typically starts early in toddlerhood. And at that age, it really kind of comes because kids are finding their independence a lot of times. A lot of times it's behavioral. It's not always 100% because of the food. But also, you know, they're experiencing different textures, different flavors. Things don't taste the same every single time they eat them. So, it can be common for kids to become picky,” Hyland said.

Hyland noted that various factors beyond taste can contribute to picky eating, such as a bad day at school, trouble swallowing, or discomfort after eating certain foods. Identifying patterns and discussing concerns with a pediatrician can help parents uncover the root causes of mealtime struggles.

To address picky eating, Hyland recommends consistency in mealtime routines and expectations. Serving at least one food that children already enjoy can help create a positive dining experience. Making fruits and vegetables fun or involving kids in meal preparation can also encourage them to try new foods.

When introducing new foods, Hyland advises serving small portions to make them less intimidating. She also emphasizes the importance of repetition, even with foods that children initially reject. “Oftentimes I hear parents, ‘My kid doesn't like [a certain food],’ so they never serve it again. It takes a lot of exposures for kids to learn to like something. And if they're not given the opportunity, they never have a chance to even learn to like something. So even if you feel like your kid does not like green beans, please continue to offer green beans,” Hyland said.

However, Hyland cautions against force-feeding or pressuring children to clean their plates. Such approaches can create unnecessary stress and lead to arguments, making mealtimes more challenging.

Parents are encouraged to focus on creating a supportive environment that fosters a healthy relationship with food, allowing children to develop preferences naturally over time.

For more information, contact Cleveland Clinic News Service at 216-444-0141 or ccnewsservice@ccf.org.