Picky eating may mask larger issues for children
Many children are picky eaters, making every meal a challenge. But for
some, the problem goes deeper than not liking vegetables or whole-wheat
bread.
According to a study in the journal Pediatrics, more than one in five
kids between the ages of 2 and 6 are considered "selective eaters." Most
of them are moderately picky, but about 3 percent restrict their food
intake so much that it turns the dinner table into a war zone.
Of even greater consequence, over the course of the study, the
researchers found that children with selective eating behaviors were
nearly twice as likely to have symptoms of social anxiety, generalized
anxiety and even depression than kids without issues surrounding food.
There's even a term for the condition -- avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID.
In some cases, limited eating will affect a child's growth and overall
health, as well as his or her relationship with Mom and Dad, with both
sides feeling the stress.
It helps for parents to understand that a child's extreme reluctance to
eat is likely not just stubbornness. Some kids have heightened sensory
responses and may be disgusted by the smell or taste of some foods.
Others may have developed a negative association with one food, leading
to anxiety about trying any other new foods.
If every meal is a tug of war, talk to your pediatrician. Because it's
not clear which kids will outgrow being picky eaters and which won't,
your child may benefit from specialized counseling. It will be important
for the therapist to find out what's causing the problem and for your
child to feel comfortable with the therapist and understand that the
goal is to help the situation.
More information
The National Eating Disorders Association has detailed information on
avoidant restrictive food intake disorder to help you better recognize
and understand it.
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