How This Mom of a Kiddo With ADHD Navigates Picky-Eating

Are you the parent of a picky-eater?

Me too.

And I'm all too familiar with the challenges that come along with picky-eating, especially in a child with ADHD and Autism.

While navigating picky-eating with my ADHD/Autism kiddo has definitely been a struggle, over the years we have discovered some tips and tricks that have made it much more manageable.

These strategies include: letting your child help you prepare meals, presenting meals in a fun way, giving your picky eater a daily prebiotic, not withholding foods from your child, giving your picky-eater choices, and motivating your picky-eater.

Let Your Child Help You Prepare Meals

Allowing my son to help me cook and prepare meals for the family has been essential when it comes to overcoming those picky-eating habits.

When you give your child the opportunity to prepare meals alongside you, they are more likely to try new things! Children are naturally more inclined to take pride in something they worked toward, and preparing meals is no exception.

Cooking together has broadened my son's interest in new ingredients and flavors and has helped him feel more comfortable with the idea of trying new foods.

Present Meals in a Fun Way

Making meals fun and more appealing has been a huge advantage in our picky-eating journey.

Making meals fun and more appealing has been a huge advantage in our picky-eating journey.

Sometimes my son and I will try to think of objects in nature that resemble the type of food we are eating. For instance, broccoli looks like small trees and cauliflower might resemble a tiny cloud.

The name "broccoli" doesn't sound very appealing, so we refer to our silly names instead. And sometimes that makes all the difference!

He is much more inclined to say yes to "tiny trees" with cheese than he is to "broccoli".

Give Your Picky-Eater a Daily Prebiotic

Given that prebiotics support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, improving digestive health and overall well-being, it's highly recommended- especially for your picky eater.

Picky eaters might not consume a wide variety of foods, which can limit the diversity of the gut microbiome.

Not to mention if your picky-eater is anything like mine, they may avoid foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, leading to hard stools and constipation.

And this is where Begin Health comes in!

Begin Health's Growing Up Prebiotics is a high quality and gentle blend designed to nourish growing toddlers’ and kids’ developing gut microbiome.

They help feed beneficial gut bacteria, for digestive comfort, regularity, and softer stools.

Do Not Withhold Foods

Withholding food from your picky-eater is never recommended, given that it can have many negative effects on children.

It can cause children to feel anxious and stressed, and can even lead to further resistance and being reluctant to try new foods.

It can cause children to feel anxious and stressed, and can even lead to further resistance and being reluctant to try new foods.

Instead of withholding, try encouragement and positive reinforcement. Creating a positive relationship with food is key.

Give Your Picky-Eater Choices

Give your picky-eater a variety of healthy options- even placing food your child is familiar with beside something new.

When a child feels that they have no control over their situation, they will often shut down. So, by giving them choices, you're including them in the decision-making process, increasing their sense of control.

Motivate Your Picky-Eater

Your child will likely try new foods when they are encouraged and praised. Children respond so much better to positive and affirming words- and the dinner table is the perfect setting for some positive motivation.

When your child tries something new, try saying things like...

"I am so proud of you for being willing to try new foods".

"Wow! You're so brave for trying something you were hesitant about before".

or "you are really great at trying new foods".

Offering praise when your child tries a new food will encourage them to try again.

By motivating your picky-eater, you are creating a positive and supportive environment to help them become more comfortable and adventurous when it comes to trying new foods!

In Conclusion:

• Let your child help you prepare meals
• Present meals in a fun way
• Give your picky eater a daily prebiotic
• Do not withhold foods
• Give your picky-eater choices
• Motivate your picky-eater

Remember that picky eating is a normal part of development for many children, and it can be especially common in children with ADHD and Autism. But being patient and persistent in your approach is key.