What to do with Picky Eaters…
Anyone else out there struggling with picky eaters?
I feel your pain.
The reality of my littles being picky eaters came to a head while traveling a few weeks ago.
We were staying with a family member that avoids several food groups, so the only food available to my kids were fresh fruit, cooked vegetables, and roast meat. I usually bring bread, milk, and kid-friendly snacks when we visit, but my hungry kids ate through my supplies quicker than I had planned.
But of course, when we visited the meat was seasoned just a little differently and the vegetables cooked slightly longer than what we usually eat at home. But the food tasted just fine.
Unless you asked my kids. To them, it was as different as eating food prepared on the moon. (Insert exasperated sigh.)
I guess I should be a little more empathetic. Sadly, I myself was a picky eater growing up. In hindsight, a lot of my issues were texture related, and I still shudder at the thought of eating some foods (like cotton candy, nacho cheese, or marshmallow fluff).
So what should this picky eater —> dietitian —> mom do with picky eaters of her own?
Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding
My secret sauce for dealing with my picky eaters isn’t so secret - I use the Ellyn Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding.
The Satter Division of Responsibility is a feeding approach that defines specific roles for both parents and children:
Parents are responsible for what, when, and where.
Children are responsible for how much and whether or not to eat.
This philosophy honors a child’s natural ability to eat as much as they need in order to grow in the way that is right for them. It also follows the premise that children learn how to eat by observing and eating like their parents.
Division of Responsibility: Not just for picky eaters
I support the Satter Division of Responsibility because it is a weight-inclusive approach to family nutrition. It is a resource to help all children in all body sizes nurture a healthy relationship with food:
It helps picky eaters by removing the pressure and stress from the feeding environment.
It allows kids with big appetites to learn how to trust that they will have access to enough food.
It supports a child’s innate ability to decide what (and how much) their body needs to grow.
Ultimately, the Satter Division of Responsibility gives parents permission to enjoy food and eating with their kids. It removes a large chunk of the meal time stress by establishing boundaries and expectations for all members of the family.
Want to learn more?
Interested is learning more about how to feed your picky eaters or the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding? Here are some options:
Sign up here for my FREE Family Nutrition mini-course (starts Monday, September 13th)
Join my online community to receive my free guide on Deconstructed Meals: A Family Meal Solution (coming later this week)
Read Part two, "How to raise good eaters," in Ellyn Satter’s Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family
As I prepare for my upcoming FREE mini-course on family nutrition, I’d love to know what your biggest challenge or struggle is with feeding your picky eaters. Drop a comment below or send a quick message here.
