Help for teens who are picky eaters

Teens can be an alien quantity. I know, I have one and another on the cusp! They are filled with hormones and the need to be independent whilst paradoxically still wanting many things done for them. When things go wrong in any area it can be a real challenge to turn things around.

Eating is a big part of all of our lives so what can we do if our teen is a picky eater?

Help for teens who are picky eaters

Although my focus, as a picky eating advisor, is working with families with a 2–12, year old, I have supported many parents who have a teen. I have also worked with young adults who have reached a stage where their picky eating is becoming overwhelming or inconvenient and are looking for a change.

In working with these families, I see two main types of fussy eater. Firstly, those who have never eaten well, and secondly, those who have become more and more restricted in their eating choices as they have become older.

NOTE: This is not a discussion of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa but a conversation about children who find the thought of eating variety difficult.

Type 1 — if your child never ate well but you were consistently told ‘they will grow out of it’ then you are not alone. Being advised to just relax and it will all be okay is one of the most…