How do you know if your child is a picky eater or needs feeding therapy?Have mealtimes turned into a battleground at your house? Many kids go through a "picky eater stage" between the ages of 2 and 4. This is a very normal part of development. Typically children are trying to learn about their environment and finding ways to exert control. Picking what they will eat is an easy way to gain control! Sometimes kids won't grow out of this phase, or end up with a very limited diet. Then its time to get help from a feeding therapist (typically an occupational or speech therapist). I have treated kids with feeding delays for the last 10 years. I can tell you with absolute certainty that the earlier you get started with feeding therapy the quicker the progress. There are a lot of different reasons kids might be picky. The best thing to do is see a specialist who can help you sort it out. There are lots of strategies to help picky eaters move through this phase quickly. There are also lots of resources and strategies to help problem feeders turn into happy eaters! Here are some important questions to ask that will help distinguish the difference between a picky eater and a problem feeder:
If you have questions or want additional resources reach out to Dr. Kristen at 402-413-1356 or kristen@connectpediatrictherapy.com
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AuthorDr. Kristen has worked as a pediatric OT for 17 years. Her background is NICU, outpatient practice and school based practice. She owns a pediatric therapy clinic in Lincoln Nebraska. Archives
October 2020
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