Mealtime for Picky Eaters

In this video, NAPA pediatric occupational therapist Tiffany shares some tips for a positive mealtime experience for picky eaters! If you prefer text, we have transcribed the video for you below.

Here at NAPA, we often get asked how to make mealtimes a little less stressful for families.

First and foremost, it’s important to make mealtimes a pleasurable experience.

Close your eyes and think of your favorite meal. Most people wouldn’t reference sitting in front of the TV by themselves. For me, it’s around the holidays at a large table with my whole family eating pierogies.

Now, you may be thinking, “my child doesn’t eat any of the foods that I enjoy.”

But that’s okay. They’re still learning about it. I believe it’s the parents job to decide what foods are served, when they are served, and where they are served. And the child gets to decide whether or not they eat those foods, and how much of those foods that they eat.

Now, of course, it’s important that food that a child is willing to eat is served at all meals, but they should be exposed to all the same foods that the family is enjoying at every mealtime.

Consistent exposure in a pressure-free environment is what works!

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Learn more: How Does Feeding Therapy Work?