Debunking the myth, “They’ll eat when they’re hungry.”

One of the most prevalent myths surrounding feeding and nutrition in children is the notion that, "They'll eat when they’re hungry." At face value, this statement may seem logical, and dare I say, even reassuring. However, if you are the caregiver of a child who struggles to eat, being told “They’ll eat when they’re hungry” and having your very real concerns dismissed can be extremely frustrating and leave you with limited options for help.

“They’ll eat when they’re hungry” oversimplifies the complex nature of a child’s eating habits. It suggests that hunger is an innate drive that guarantees children will eat when they feel hunger and when their bodies need food.

In this blog post, we’ll debunk this myth by exploring the interplay between motor skills, sensory experiences, and environmental influences that influence a child's eating habits.

Motor:

Breathing is always the body’s number one priority.

During eating, the coordination between breathing and swallowing is essential for a smooth and safe swallowing process. Motor functions play a vital role in our ability to eat and swallow effectively. While breathing may seem unrelated, it is, in fact, one of the most crucial bodily functions that can interfere with our eating patterns.

The oral motor skills required to chew and swallow food safely also influence a child’s eating habits. Difficulties with oral motor skills can lead to preferences for only a certain texture of food, and often children will just shut down and not eat, rather than challenge themselves with foods that are difficult to handle.

The ability to manipulate and explore food through touch and movement is crucial in the development of self-feeding skills. Infants and toddlers who are in the early stages of motor development may lack the dexterity required to pick up food or bring utensils to their mouths. This limitation, along with their innate drive to do things independently, can cause frustration and hinder their willingness to eat enough to sustain them until the next meal.

Sensory factors: taste, smell and texture -- and regulation.

The sensory experience of food goes beyond hunger alone.

The sensory system allows individuals to process information from their environment, including taste, texture, smell, and appearance of food. Food preferences are not determined solely by hunger. Some children may be more sensitive to certain tastes or smells, leading to aversions to, or preferences for, specific foods. Texture also plays a crucial role in a child's food preferences. Children may have preferences for specific textures, such as crunchy or smooth.

Every child has unique sensory experiences and sensitivities. Children who are hypersensitive or have sensory processing difficulties may exhibit aversions to specific foods due to sensory overload. For example, a child with heightened sensitivity to certain textures may find it challenging to tolerate foods with slimy or lumpy textures, regardless of hunger levels. Likewise, some children may be sensitive to strong flavors or smells. Other children may have a strong sensory-seeking behavior, preferring intense flavors and textures. These children might consume certain foods excessively, even when not hungry.

Beyond the physical aspects of the feeding experience, it’s important to help a child regulate their emotions and remain calm, focused, and engaged so they don’t go into a fight/flight/freeze response. When the body is in fight/flight/freeze, hunger signals shut down completely as the body goes into survival mode. Stress or anxiety can suppress appetite, while a positive and relaxed atmosphere can enhance it.

Hunger can be felt only through a sense of safety and connection.

Learned behavior: environmental, social and cultural influences.

Children are not born with fixed food preferences.

Eating is a learned behavior and is influenced by environmental and social factors, family dynamics, and cultural influences. The foods that children are exposed to, the mealtime environment, and the eating habits of their caregivers all contribute to shaping their eating behaviors. From an early age, children observe and imitate the eating behaviors of those around them, shaping their own preferences and routines.

The environment also encompasses the availability and accessibility of food. Children who grow up in food deserts (urban areas lacking affordable or good-quality fresh food) often find it difficult to learn to eat fresh fruits and vegetables later in life.

External factors such as mealtime structure, distractions, or emotional states can also significantly affect a child's eating behavior. Children pressured to eat beyond their comfort levels may develop negative associations with eating. If children are consistently offered only a limited range of foods, they may develop preferences based on what is familiar, leading to difficulty exploring and accepting new foods.

Conclusion:

The notion that "they'll eat when they’re hungry" oversimplifies the complex nature of a child's eating habits. Motor factors, sensory experiences, and learned behaviors all play significant roles in shaping a child's appetite and food preferences. Recognizing these factors allows us to better understand and address the challenges children may face during mealtimes. By promoting a supportive mealtime environment, exposing children to a variety of foods, and considering their sensory experiences, we can encourage healthy eating habits and ensure their nutritional needs are met.

At That Makes Sense OT, we understand how draining it can be if you’re struggling to feed your children. When your very real concerns are dismissed with a, “They’ll eat when they’re hungry,” comment, we want to empower you to find the root cause of your child’s eating difficulties. We’re here to support and guide you along the way.