As dietitians, we often meet parents who worry about their child being a fussy eater. They are concerned about their child rejecting food. Many parents face challenges when it comes to feeding their children, especially when picky eating habits take over. You are not alone!
In this blog post, we will explore why fussy eating occurs. We will also share one of the many strategies we use at ORS: the SOS (Sequential-Oral-Sensory) method. This method is based on research and can help expand your child’s food choices.
What is Fussy Eating?
Fussy eating is when a child refuses to eat certain foods or shows strong preferences for a limited range of items. This can be frustrating for parents, especially if it leads to mealtime battles or concerns about nutrition. It’s important to remember that fussy eating is a normal part of development, and many children outgrow it as they get older. As dietitians who specialize in paediatric nutrition, we often see children who struggle with fussy eating, and our role is to support families in navigating these challenges.
Common Causes of Fussy Eating
- Sensory Sensitivities: Some children are more sensitive to the texture, smell, or appearance of foods, making them less willing to try new items.
- Developmental Stages: As children grow, they go through phases of asserting independence, which can include rejecting foods.
- Learned Behaviours: If a child has had a negative experience with a food (e.g., choking or feeling sick), they might become more cautious about trying it again.
- Parental Pressure: Pushing children to eat certain foods can often backfire, leading to increased resistance.
Dietitians, particularly those experienced in behaviour support allied health services, such as NDIS dietitians, can help parents manage these behaviours effectively. This might include a detailed dietitian assessment to identify sensory or behavioural issues contributing to fussy eating.
What Is the SOS Approach?
The Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) approach is a therapeutic method designed to help children develop a positive relationship with food. It’s based on the idea that eating is a complex process involving multiple steps and senses. Rather than focusing on getting a child to eat, the SOS approach encourages them to explore foods in a non-threatening way, gradually moving through stages to become comfortable with different textures, tastes, and smells.
How the SOS Approach Works
The SOS approach involves a step-by-step process that allows children to engage with food using all their senses. Here’s a breakdown of the main stages:
- Tolerating: The child gets used to the presence of the food without any pressure to taste it. For example, they might sit at the table while the food is nearby.
- Interacting: This stage encourages the child to touch the food without eating it. They might help with preparing meals or play with the food using utensils.
- Smelling: Smelling the food helps the child become familiar with its aroma, making it less scary.
- Touching: The child touches the food with their hands, lips, or tongue, becoming comfortable with its texture.
- Tasting: Here, the child is encouraged to take small tastes of the food without any pressure to swallow. They might start by licking it or taking tiny bites.
- Eating: The final step is when the child feels comfortable enough to chew and swallow the food.
This approach is ideal for families looking to support their child’s nutrition and eating habits, whether they are receiving services through an NDIS dietitian or another allied health professional. Dietitians often integrate this method into their dietetics referral process to ensure that children are supported holistically.
Tips for Implementing the SOS Approach at Home
- Create a Positive Mealtime Environment: Make mealtimes relaxed and enjoyable. Avoid pressure or negative comments about what your child eats or doesn’t eat.
- Offer a Variety of Foods: Introduce different foods, colours, and textures regularly. Keep exposure low-pressure by letting your child observe others eating the food first.
- Encourage Play with Food: Allow your child to explore food in a playful way. They might pretend to be cooking, painting with sauces, or arranging veggies into fun shapes.
- Be Patient: The SOS approach takes time, so be patient and celebrate small successes. Even if your child just touches or smells a new food, that’s progress!
Why the SOS Approach Works for Fussy Eaters
The SOS approach recognises that eating is a sensory experience, and children need time to feel comfortable with different foods. By gradually introducing each step, children can build confidence and curiosity, reducing anxiety around trying new things. Dietitians often recommend this method as part of a broader plan that may also involve nutrition and dietetics in disability care, particularly for children with special needs.
Fussy eating can be challenging, but with patience and the right approach, you can help your child develop a positive relationship with food. The SOS approach offers a gentle, sensory-based method that encourages children to explore and accept new foods at their own pace. By implementing these techniques, you can turn mealtime into a stress-free, enjoyable experience for the whole family.
But can Dietitians be covered by NDIS?
If your child’s fussy eating is linked to a disability, you might wonder if a dietitian can be funded through the NDIS. The answer is yes! NDIS dietitians are considered part of the allied health services team and can provide essential behavioural and nutritional support to help improve your child’s relationship with food.
The role of a dietitian in helping fussy eaters is invaluable. ORS provides different services including a wide range of professionals, from telehealth dietitians to those working directly with children in disability services.
By understanding fussy eating approaches and collaborating with one of our friendly and passionate dietitians, you can turn mealtime struggles into stress-free, positive experiences for the whole family. IF you are looking for a school holiday project or challenge how about you get one of our ORS dietitians to do a block of school holiday fussy eating intervention?Â
Should you have any difficulties with a fussy eater at home or desire assistance for fussy eating behaviour, feel free to connect with our ORS expert dietitians. We are ready to assist! For any other questions, you can reach out via phone at 1800 000 677 or click here to submit a referral!
