H ave your child’s eating habits changed over time? They loved peas last month, but now they will not touch them. The truth is, at some point, most children will reject some foods. Being choosy about the foods they will eat is a normal step in the growing process. This change in eating patterns could be the result of developmental changes your child is going through.

Here are some signs that your child is going through some of these changes:

• Your child is learning to be more independent. They are asking for specific foods. They might ask for the same food over and over again. They may ask for a food to be prepared in the same way each time.
• Their taste buds are still getting used to certain flavors and textures. The smell, color, and even the shape of a food may make them not want to try it.
• Their hunger is changing from day to day. They might eat everything they see on Monday and only graze on meals on Tuesday.
• Their environment is overwhelming to them. They may be tired, or in an unfamiliar place and turning down foods they eat commonly. 
• They are copying what they see. If they see other family members eating a variety of nutritious foods, they might eat them too.
• They might do the opposite as well. If they see other members of the family shying away from a variety of nutritious foods, they might do that instead. They may take cues from others and do the same thing.

These changes are very common and also very frustrating. However, there are some things that you can do during these changes.

• Offer a variety of nutritious foods. You may have to offer a food 10 times before a child accepts it. Allow for independence in choice, offer two choices, and prepare what they choose.
• Make mealtimes fun and interesting. Take time to talk about the different flavors, colors, and textures of food.
• Try to keep structured meal times and eat together as a family. When possible, try to limit distractions and eat meals well-rested.
• Many children experience “food jags.” This is a time when they will only eat one or a very limited kind of food. For example, maybe your child has decided they will only eat white food. Don’t worry about this. Food jags are a part of normal development and will pass.
• Role model healthy eating patterns. Eat a variety of nutritious foods.

Your child is growing and experiencing food in different ways at each meal. Knowing why your child reacts to certain foods can help you and your child get through this picky eating phase together.