What to Do When Your Child Will Only Eat Chicken Schnitzel and Fries?

Does your child turn their head away when you try to give them fruits and vegetables? Does your daughter cry when offered new foods? Is their diet limited to just schnitzel and fries? They may have developed "selective eating" - a common phenomenon that worries many parents.

- Why does this happen?

The tendency to avoid new foods usually begins in the first year of life and peaks between the ages of two and six. The phenomenon generally fades as the child grows older.

There are several reasons for picky eating: environmental and genetic factors, the quality of the parent-child relationship, feeding styles, and personal factors.

Are the parents at fault too?

In families with picky eaters, feeding (or trying to feed) is often accompanied by serious arguments and conflicts. In many cases, parents won't allow the child to eat what they want and pressure them to eat only what they consider nutritious and healthy food. Such an eating environment creates resistance in the child and can exacerbate picky eating tendencies.

When parents forbid their children from eating certain foods, the children tend to rebel and want those foods even more.

- How do you deal with a chubby child?

A study presented children with two snacks, one allowed and free and the other forbidden. During the study, children requested the forbidden snack more and made great efforts to get it. Another study shows that parents are stressed about feeding their children when their weight is below average.

Parents who are stressed about eating may create a negative atmosphere and hinder the enjoyment of eating. A 2010 study found that parental pressure is related to three dimensions of picky eating: a higher rate of selectivity among children, a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food, and slow eating.

Even if this issue bothers you, try to remain calm in front of the children - otherwise, you'll achieve the opposite effect.

- Is picky eating a common phenomenon?

Various studies indicate that the prevalence of picky eating among children and toddlers ranges from 10% to 30%.

- Can it affect my child's health?

Picky eaters tend to consume fewer fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer foods rich in protein and dietary fiber. Therefore, they are at risk of nutritional deficiencies and insufficient weight gain.

- How do I know if my child is a picky eater?

Here are the signs: 1. If your child refuses to eat a certain type of food for at least one month. 2. If your child eats a limited variety of foods for at least two years. 3. If your child refuses to try new foods. 4. If your child eats a few new foods but consumes a lot from a small number of foods.

Steps to improve children's eating habits

Regular exposure to new food: Exposing children to a wide variety of foods in childhood may reduce the prevalence of picky eating and encourage enjoyment of new foods. Continuously offer new foods on the table. If the child doesn't want to try them, don't be angry. Instead of expressing disappointment or anger, say: "It's okay, we believe you'll try it another time."

Take children shopping: Ask the children to help you choose fruits and vegetables, different kinds of cheese, or any type of food you'd like them to try. Involving children in the choice and purchase experience increases their engagement, improving their willingness to try new foods.

Cook together: Involve the children in meal preparation. You can buy them a chef's apron and hat and make cooking more fun. If children have a positive experience with food preparation, the likelihood of them eating what they prepared increases.

Be creative: Make the dishes more attractive and inviting for children. You can prepare decorated sandwiches or create faces using sliced fruits and vegetables. Children, like adults, enjoy eating food that is presented attractively on the plate.

Keep encouraging: Even if the child only agrees to taste a little, encourage and praise them for it. Continuous and consistent exposure to the same type of food is needed for the child to eat it regularly.