The holiday season can be overstimulating for little children. They are meeting new people, being served new unknown foods, with routine disruptions, surrounded by excessive sugary foods, loud music and crowded events. Add to that mix a child who is a picky eater and you’ve got yourself a special new struggle.
In this post let us look at some of the ways in which you can support your picky eater during the Holiday Season.
From the child’s point of view,
There is a bunch of unfamiliar foods along with lots of attention by adults on their eating behaviors and advice.
These situations can cause the child to experience stress, overwhelm and anxiety.
To expect a dysregulated child to eat as normal during such a stimulating time is unrealistic.
Expect that the child will go through some up and down eating or may refuse food altogether.
But that doesn’t mean that you throw in the towel and not try either.
Here are some ways you can help your picky eater during the holidays.
Supporting A Picky Eater Toddler During The Holidays
- Start by preparing your child before the event. Give them a short explanation on what to expect. What are the traditions around food, types of foods and people to expect. This gives the child a heads up and a possible way to navigate foods on the table. Maybe you can offer ideas on what kinds of foods they can try and where they can locate their favorites etc.
2. Carry some of your child’s safe foods with you. If you are unsure of the type of food on offer at festive events then carry some snacks and homemade meals so your child doesn’t feel left out. If that’s not possible, then make sure your picky eater gets a chance to eat something before events with unfamiliar foods.
3. Instead of discussing your child’s picky eating habits in front of them shift focus to Holiday traditions, family bonding activities and enjoying the moment with them. A low-stress approach around food will serve your child better in the long run. 1-2 days of low eating is not going to affect their overall health but 1 or 2 incidents around food shaming or extreme concern about pickiness can surely make a life-long impact on how they view themselves and their eating. Some children take labels to heart and start identifying with them if they hear it often when used by adults to describe their eating habits.
4. Let your child decide for themselves what to eat. Even if it’s a few extra sweets over food. Don’t police them in front of guests, if needed have a word privately.
5. Advocate for your child in case people comment or give unnecessary advice. Our children our listening and speaking up for them matters to them. I’ve written a previous post about how to set boundaries with food at the family table especially with grandparents and how to advocate for children in such family situations.
Hope this post helps calm your anxious mama mind and gives you a basic strategy to take into the Holiday season.
How do you prepare your picky eater for the Holiday season? If you have any ideas of your own, comment below.
Hope you have a smooth and easy-going Holiday season with your littles!
