Zero to Three asks, “Do you know a ‘picky eater’?” Our guess is, most likely you do! How to Handle a Picky Eater,” this week’s addition to the resource library, defines what constitutes picky eating, when it begins, and research-based strategies parents can use to deal with it. First, it’s important to explore what’s really going on. Children may be sensitive to specific smells, tastes, and textures that may make certain foods unappetizing. Other children may be hard-wired to shy away from trying anything new. Kids may also be asserting their independence, wanting to feed themselves, or so active they don’t want to sit still long enough to eat. And, of course, medical issues can also be at the heart of picky eating. The authors outline what not to do as many parents have likely tried everything they can think of. Some of those strategies may actually be counterproductive. It’s a concise article on what the research tells us about how to handle this all-too-common situation, and, even better, the article is also available in Spanish. Enjoy!
The ICC-Recommended Early Start Personnel Manual (ESPM) describes core knowledge and role-specific competencies needed for early intervention service provision, incorporating current research and evidence in the field of early intervention. To access the ESPM, click here.
This resource is related to the following ESPM knowledge-level competencies:
Core Knowledge (CK):
- CK4: The range of typical infant/toddler physiological factors such as:
- Basic health and nutrition
- CK9: The characteristics and influence of disabilities and risk factors on early development, learning, caregiving, and relationships
- Health and nutritional concerns
Evaluation and Assessment (EA):
- EA4 (EIS): Knows strategies that support parents/caregivers in identifying and articulating their concerns about their infant/toddler’s development and needs.
Individualized Family Service Plan Development and Review (IFSP-DR):
- IFSP-DR5 (EIS): Understands the rationale for the identification and selection of intervention strategies used in everyday routines, relationships, activities, places, and partnerships for early intervention activities.
Individualized Family Service Plan Development and Review (IFSP-i):
- IFSP-i3 (EIS): Knows generic and specific evidence-based early intervention strategies to support all areas of development.
- IFSP-10 (EIS): Knows strategies that support parents in providing basic health, nutrition, and safety for infants and toddlers in natural environments.