Why the “wait and see” approach is a bad idea for picky eaters

It's not uncommon for you as parents to hear advice from others to "wait and see" when you’re wondering what to do about your child’s eating difficulties. While on the surface, the wait and see approach may give a glimmer of hope that your child will eventually grow out of it, it does nothing to quell your well-justified concerns in the moment. Patience is a virtue, but when it comes to feeding issues, waiting too long can lead to missed opportunities and long-lasting consequences. There are specific ages and developmental stages children go through that make it easier to develop a skill naturally at that time than to try to develop the skill later on. This is especially true for flavor preferences (best for a wide variety before the age of 18 months). 

Seven main reasons why “wait and see” isn’t the best course of action when your child faces feeding difficulties 

1. Missed opportunities for early intervention:
   Early intervention is like a compass guiding your child toward healthier eating habits. It's about addressing issues when they first arise, preventing them from becoming more entrenched and challenging to tackle later on.

2. Effect on growth and development:
   Nutrition is the cornerstone of your child's growth and development. Feeding difficulties can lead to nutritional deficiencies, causing slower growth, developmental delays, and even long-term health concerns. Waiting can exacerbate these problems and hinder your child's well-being.

3. Emotional and psychological effect:
   Feeding struggles can take an emotional toll on both your child and your family. Children experience frustration, anxiety, or aversions to certain foods, leading to mealtime battles and stress. Parents feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to help, straining the parent-child relationship.

4. Family stress:
   Constant mealtime struggles can create tension and frustration within your family. A negative atmosphere around food can affect everyone's well-being and quality of life.

5. Limited dietary variety:
   Feeding difficulties often result in limited dietary choices, potentially depriving your child of essential nutrients. This limitation can hinder them physically and cognitively.

6. Persistent issues:
   Feeding difficulties can persist or worsen over time without intervention. What might seem like a phase can become a long-standing problem if left unaddressed. And unfortunately, it is rare that feeding issues will resolve without intervention. 

7. Increased healthcare costs:
   Delaying action to address feeding difficulties can lead to higher healthcare costs in the long run. Treating nutritional deficiencies or addressing severe feeding problems that have worsened over time may require more extensive and expensive interventions.

While it's essential to be patient and understanding with children's eating habits, ignoring or delaying addressing feeding difficulties with a "wait and see" approach can have significant consequences. 

Early intervention by seeking professional guidance can help children develop healthier eating habits, prevent potential health issues, reduce emotional stress, and ultimately ensure their overall well-being.

How to navigate past the “wait and see” approach

Wait and see can be especially tricky to navigate if suggested by well-meaning others (grandparents, pediatricians, teachers, other parents, your nosy neighbor…). 

We understand that as parents, you want the best for your child. 

It's natural to hope things will improve on their own. 

Our advice on this topic is clear and straight-forward: 

TRUST YOUR GUT. 

If your gut is telling you that something is wrong or that you need help, take the steps to get help now. 

Here are a few proactive ways to address your child’s feeding difficulties:

• Join our Facebook group, Picky Eating Solutions with That Makes Sense OT.   It’s a safe space for you to share experiences, exchange tips, ask questions, and receive emotional support from others who understand what you’re going through. 

• Keep a detailed food journal to track your child’s eating habits and intake. Document what they eat, how much, and any reactions or difficulties they have during or after the meal. This is especially important if you suspect food allergies or sensitivities. 

• Advocate for your child's needs. Remember: you know your child best. Communicate with teachers, caregivers, and medical staff to ensure your child's feeding requirements are understood and accommodated.

• Educate yourself about feeding difficulties. Knowledge is empowering. Take the time to learn about common feeding difficulties, their causes, and potential solutions. Understanding the underlying issues can help you advocate for your child and work effectively with healthcare professionals.

• Maintain open communication with your pediatrician or primary care doctor. While you don't necessarily need a pediatrician referral to seek help, it's still important to keep your child's healthcare provider in the loop. Share your concerns and experiences with your pediatrician, as they can offer insights and may choose to run tests or refer you to specialists, if needed.

• Connect with a feeding specialist. One of the most proactive steps you can take is to seek the guidance of a professional who specializes in feeding. Book your call now. Working with a feeding specialist will give you the tools and support you need to advance your child’s skills at the right time and in the correct order. 

Feeding difficulties are undoubtedly a challenge, but with early intervention and the right support, your family can develop healthier eating habits without getting stuck in a pattern of power struggles and high anxiety. 

We’re here to help you every step of the way. Please don't hesitate to contact us for coaching support. Together, we can make mealtimes more enjoyable and stress-free for your family by creating a safe space for your child to develop curiosity for food exploration. Remember that every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. The key is to stay proactive, seek support, and remain committed to helping your child develop healthy eating habits. You don't have to navigate this journey alone. You are welcome at our table and we will celebrate every victory, no matter the size.

When we nourish, they flourish!