🍽️ Ask the Expert: Healthy Eating Habits for Picky Eaters! 🍽️

Is mealtime a daily struggle with your little one? Does your child refuse to eat certain foods, or insist on the same meals over and over again? 🤔 Don't worry, you're not alone! From March 7-13, drop your questions here about picky eating, mealtime battles, and how to encourage healthy eating habits in children. Our expert, Dr. Kimberly Chew (Principal Psychologist, AO Psychology), will be here to provide insights and practical tips! 📅 March 17: Live Answering Session – Dr. Kimberly will be responding to your questions right here in this thread! Got a question? Ask away in the comments below! 👇 Let's help our little ones develop a love for nutritious food! 🥦🍎 #AskTheExpert #HealthyEating #PickyEaters #ParentingTips

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Should I be concerned if my child only eats carbs? How do I balance their diet when they refuse protein and veggies?

Dr. Kimberly Chew

Principal Psychologist, AO Psychology

8mo ago

Psychological Perspective of the Child: Many toddlers prefer carbohydrates due to their mild taste and easy texture. Food preferences shift over time with repeated exposure. Psychological Guidance for Parents: Keep offering a variety of foods in a no-pressure environment. Try mixing small amounts of protein or vegetables into their favorite carb dishes. Picky eating usually resolves with patience and consistency.

Hi Doc... I keep hearing about “food bridges” to expand a child’s diet. How do I use this method in real life?

Dr. Kimberly Chew

Principal Psychologist, AO Psychology

8mo ago

Psychological Perspective of the Child: Food bridging is based on introducing new foods that resemble familiar ones. This helps children feel more comfortable trying new things. Psychological Guidance for Parents: Identify a preferred food and slowly transition to similar textures or flavors. For example, if a child likes crackers, offer whole-grain versions or homemade alternatives with slight modifications.

My child gags whenever they try new textures.... Is this just pickiness, or could there be a deeper issue?

Dr. Kimberly Chew

Principal Psychologist, AO Psychology

8mo ago

Psychological Perspective of the Child: Some children have heightened sensory sensitivity, making new textures overwhelming. Gagging is a reflex that may indicate discomfort rather than stubbornness. Psychological Guidance for Parents: Observe if it’s a persistent issue. Gradually introduce new textures in small, manageable ways. Avoid force-feeding and allow the child to explore at their own pace. If extreme, consult a professional for evaluation.

doc, my son (3 yo) refuses to eat rice but loves noodles. Is this something i should be worried about?

Dr. Kimberly Chew

Principal Psychologist, AO Psychology

8mo ago

Psychological Perspective of the Child: Preference for one texture over another is common. He may find noodles easier to chew or simply enjoy their taste more. Psychological Guidance for Parents: Avoid making it a concern. Instead, introduce small amounts of rice in fun ways, like mixing it with noodles. Preferences change over time, so keep offering variety without pressure.