WHY KIDS SHOULD EAT THEIR GREENS
CHILDREN who are fussy eaters could have personality problems beyond the dinner table, a new study shows.
The study – published in the journal Food Research International – has revealed dinner-time stress can spill into other parts of life, with picky eaters more likely to be socially anxious children.
Children who are neophobic – fearful of new and novel foods – have low self-esteem in social, physical and academic situations, the study says.
Spanish boffins say their findings need further investigation into when fussy eating is normal and when it’s a cause for concern.
The researchers have warned against parents sparking a stand-off by pressuring kids to eat certain foods.
Nutrition Australia’s Aloysa Hourigan agrees parents need to be patient with picky eaters.
“Some children are highly sensitive to textures and smells of foods and in extreme cases parents should seek professional help for guidance on how to encourage a more varied diet,” she said.
Four-year-old twins Sienna and Scarlett Parker from Merrimac are confident eaters.
“They have been going to day care since they were two where they are provided with a wide variety of dishes,” mum Liz Parker said.
“That early exposure has helped the girls become adventurous with food.”