When Should I Seek Help for My Child’s Eating?

It can be hard to know when picky or selective eating is simply a stage, and when it might be time to seek some extra support.

There isn’t one single sign to look for. Sometimes it is a gradually shrinking range of foods. For other children, mealtimes become increasingly stressful, eating enough becomes difficult, or anxiety and sensory sensitivities begin to affect their relationship with food.

You might also notice eating starting to affect life outside the home, school lunches coming home uneaten, avoiding parties or sleepovers, or worrying about what food will be available.

For some children, eating really is hard. Sensory differences, anxiety, fear of choking or vomiting, low appetite, ADHD medication, autism, or difficulty recognising hunger can all play a part.

And support doesn’t have to begin with telling a child to “just try it.”

Often, the first step is simply understanding why eating has become difficult and finding ways to reduce pressure while supporting nutrition and confidence around food.

Sometimes I work directly with the child or teenager, and sometimes we start with a parent-only session.

If you’re wondering whether your child’s eating might need some extra support, you don’t have to wait until things become severe before reaching out.

I am currently welcoming new referrals for children and teenagers, with in-person and telehealth appointments available.