Our eight-year-old daughter had an ideal start when it came to her diet. She was exclusively breastfed and introduced to vegetables, fruits, and healthy homemade meals. However, she eventually developed a preference for junk food like pizza, fish fingers, and chips. She also recently decided to become vegetarian, which makes it challenging to provide her with healthy meat alternatives. We’ve tried meal kits, but she doesn’t like some of the ingredients. I’ve made efforts to introduce new foods along with ones she enjoys, such as cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and a variety of fruits. Due to some potential medical concerns, her weight and height were closely monitored. Although she has been discharged, she still falls within the top percentiles for both height and weight. While she remains active, I am concerned about the possibility of her becoming overweight if she continues to eat this way. As someone who has struggled with weight my whole life, I am conscious of setting a good example for her in terms of nutrition and exercise.
I want to reassure you that this is not your fault. Even with the best possible start, every child has their own unique approach to food. Children will often insist on doing things their own way. However, there are a few strategies you may want to consider. I consulted with Dr. Gillian Harris, a clinical psychologist with 30 years of experience in child-feeding behavior. Although a diagnosis cannot be made through a letter, Dr. Harris mentioned a condition called Arfid that your daughter might have. Arfid stands for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. It typically manifests around the age of two when children become more aware of the sensory aspects of their food. Dr. Harris explained that if food doesn’t look, smell, or taste right, or if it’s difficult to identify or inconsistent, children tend to reject those foods. Arfid is linked to sensory reactivity and anxiety, and it is largely influenced by genetics. Individuals with Arfid also generally have little interest in food.
It’s important to understand that children with Arfid find certain foods unbearable, so their fussiness goes beyond just being picky eaters. It’s no surprise that your daughter gravitates towards foods that have consistent appearance and taste. Dr. Harris mentioned that she often sees chips from a particular fast food chain on the “accepted” list for children with Arfid because those chips always taste the same. Arfid children dislike surprises, and anxiety can make their sensory reactivity worse.
So, what should you do? Firstly, make a list of the foods your daughter does eat. You might be surprised by the variety. Secondly, as Dr. Harris advises, pushing your daughter or causing her anxiety about food will only make the situation worse. Her height and weight are within a healthy range, and she remains active. Dr. Harris doesn’t believe that her diet is particularly bad, but she strongly recommends avoiding making her go hungry because that won’t encourage her to eat. With the right guidance and support, your daughter may be able to overcome Arfid like many other children have. It is essential to ensure that your own issues with food do not become her burden. In time, she may develop the motivation to try new foods. Dr. Harris mentioned that it usually takes around ten tries for a child to develop a liking for a particular food.
Your daughter will likely grow tired of pizza eventually because our brains have a mechanism called sensory specific satiety, which tells us not to consume too much of the same food. The pizza may lose its appeal, and her taste for bolognese might reemerge.
If you’re still concerned, it could be beneficial to consult a dietitian who specializes in Arfid. You can try reaching out to your GP for a referral, or if you prefer private options, you can contact the British Dietetic Association. The dietitian may prescribe a supplement if they believe your daughter needs it.
It’s important to remember that each week, Annalisa Barbieri addresses a personal problem submitted by readers. If you would like advice from Annalisa, please send your problem to [email protected]. Keep in mind that Annalisa cannot engage in personal correspondence, and submissions are subject to terms and conditions. Comments on this article are premoderated to ensure the discussion remains focused on the topics raised in the article. Please be aware that there may be a slight delay in comments appearing on the site. You can also find the latest series of Annalisa’s podcast available here.
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