5 Of The Worst Ideas For Helping A Fussy Eater

As a Licensed Psychologist who has worked with hundreds of families, I am often helping parents to turn fussy eaters into healthy eaters. I recently read an article that offered some of the worst advice I have ever read for your fussy eater. First, I will review her points, and then give you a more reality based set up guidelines.

So, you may be wondering why this is such bad advice for your fussy eater? Right? Well, let’s go over these bad ideas, and why they will make things worse.

1. Children cannot know what is good for them. If they did, we would not have an obesity epidemic in our country. The research shows that we can’t let children choose, or they will often be susceptible to choosing sweet foods or fatty foods. Both are bad for your fussy eater.

2. All foods are not equal. This is one of the most harmful statements you could endorse. Foods are not the same, and you must make sure that children learn to eat balance, healthy meals. If you leave children to trust their bodies, many fussy eaters will choose simple carbohydrates because their bodies have an unhealthy relationship with these foods.

3. For fussy eaters who have become obese, you cannot simply let them eat till they stop. When addicted to food, children do not stop when full. In fact, they lose a sense of when they are full and thus parents must set limits on the foods children select.

4. Children will thrive on a consistent schedule, and the idea of feeding your fussy eater when they ask is another bizarre idea. Get your fussy eater on a consistent schedule, and this will help to regulate their eating habits.

5. While it is certainly unhealthy to discuss obesity or body shapes in highly negative ways, it is not true that you should ignore your child’s overweight condition and tell them to just ignore it as well. Why? Because no one else will ignore it. It will affect their sports, their activities, and their ability to enjoy experiences, their friendships and their vitality. Unfortunately, the world will also not ignore overweight children, and your fussy overweight eater who eats too many bad foods will not be ignored by their peers. Reality will be harsh, and thus it’s better to address any weight problems with a reality based conversation that has no judgment, but yet you are clear with your child about changing habits at home.

As a parenting expert, I can promise you that it makes no sense to put your child in charge of eating decisions. Of course, it will lead to an easier life at times, but that does not make it right. In the long term, a fussy eater needs you to set limits and be clear about healthy food. More importantly, you must not ever give in --- just to negotiate a few bites of bad food. Instead, let the drama begin, and know that it will pass. You need a clear step-by-step system to help your fussy eater, and you can get back on a healthy path fast!

 I am a Licensed Psychologist, author, speaker and parenting expert. I have developed a  tested and proven cure your picky eater formula. Visit CureYourPickyEater.com and see how it works with your kid.