Top tips for parents whose children are picky eaters, according to This Morning doctor
It is important to cultivate a healthy and positive relationship with food from a young age. The number of teenage girls suffering from eating disorders in Scotland has more than doubled in the last five years, statistics show.
Figures from Public Health Scotland show that 605 girls between 15 and 19 years old presented with an eating disorder in 2018. In the last year, the number was 1,256.
These figures are depressing but remind us of the importance of educating kids on how to eat healthily and approach food with the view to nourish and satisfy both their physical and mental wellbeing.
READ MORE: SNP Government accused of 'slap in the face' to carers over plan snub
However, it can be tricky for parents whose children are picky eaters. That is why Dr Anna Colton appeared on ITV's This Morning this week to share four practical pieces of advice for mothers, fathers, and carers in this position.
1. Examine your own relationship with food
"Be honest about your relationship with food because your children will pick it up," the expert explained.
"If there's work to do, please go and do the work. There's no shame or blame, but do the work to help you and your kids."
2. Take a food-neutral approach
"Don't demonise certain foods and don't celebrate others disproportionately," Dr Anna said. "Keep mealtimes happy and fun. Don't make fights over food. Yes, you are going to want your children to eat certain foods [but] it's how you do it. It's the finesse of it.
"It's not your fault but you can really help or hinder [the situation] and that's how you talk about food and not only talk about it, but what is your non-verbal communication?
"Do you meet your mates and go, 'Oh my god, you've lost so much weight, you look amazing, how did you do it?' Because immediately your child will go, 'Lose weight, good, not lose weight, bad' and they internalise a narrative around body shape from the way that we comment on other people.
"So ideally, don't comment. Absolutely don't comment on their body, you know, 'Oh, you've got such lovely, chunky thighs'. Don't do that, it's not helpful."
3. Teach your kids that they are valuable for who they are and not what they look like
"Teach your kids about their attributes, their qualities, help them understand why their friends will love them, what you enjoy about them," the professional insisted. "Take all of the focus off the aesthetic wherever possible."
4. Seek professional help
"If you're worried about your child's eating, seek help," Dr Anna advised. "Speak to someone who is a specialist in eating because it is quite niche, and seek help early. There is no shame or judgement.
"The best outcome is that a specialist goes, 'I think you're probably alright for the moment. Here are some pointers and if you need to come back, come back."
Underlining the importance of never feeling guilty for indulging in a treat now and again, Anna added: "A poor relationship with food is much more harmful than the odd packet of crisps, bar of chocolate or ready meal."
For help or information on eating disorders, call Beat Eating Disorders on 0808 801 0432.
