Nutrition Tips for Picky Eaters: Practical Strategies for Early Childhood Educators
Healthy eating habits start early, and nutrition is important for growing children. However, like many things it can be easier said than done, and anyone who’s tried to serve broccoli to a reluctant toddler knows it’s not always easy.
Picky eating is a common stage many children go through, and early childhood educators often find themselves at the front line of mealtimes. If you’re currently working in an early learning service or training to become an early childhood educator, knowing how to support picky eaters can make a big difference to children’s wellbeing, and to the mealtime experience for everyone involved.
Educators play a vital role in laying the foundations for healthy, positive food relationships. Thankfully, with the right strategies mealtimes with children can become opportunities for learning, connection and growth.
Understanding Picky Eating
Picky eating is a very normal part of development. Children are naturally cautious about new experiences, and that includes food.
Sensory sensitivities, developmental phases, and a growing sense of independence all contribute to why some children are not too keen on trying unfamiliar foods. With this mind, rather than focusing on picky eating as a problem that needs fixing, educators can just do their best to create safe and encouraging environments for children to explore at their own pace.
Practical Tips for Educators
So how can we support and encourage children with their journey exploring new foods? It doesn’t have to be complicated, and patience and consistency go a long way.
Here are a few evidence-informed strategies educators can use:
Create a positive mealtime environment
Calm, predictable routines help children feel safe and secure. A relaxed atmosphere without any pressure allows children to focus on the food itself, rather than the expectation to eat up their meal.
Offer variety without pressure
Children are more likely to try new foods after multiple exposures. Offer small portions of unfamiliar foods alongside familiar favourites and encourage exploration, but avoid forcing or bribing. Again, avoiding any sense of expectation or pressure!
Model healthy eating
Children love to mimic adults. When educators sit and eat with children, showing enjoyment and curiosity, it often sparks children’s interest too.
Respect children’s cues
Allowing children to say ‘no’ helps them to build autonomy and trust. This trust is essential for children to feel safe enough to try something new later on.
Make food fun and engaging
Presentation matters. Bright colours, interesting shapes, and playful themes like rainbow plates can help transform mealtimes into positive, engaging experiences. Don’t underestimate the power of a fun shape or pattern!
Considering Neurodiversity and Individual Needs
For some children, picky eating can be linked to neurodiversity, such as autism or sensory processing differences. These children may have heightened sensitivities to textures, smells, or flavours, and mealtimes can feel quite overwhelming rather than enjoyable.
It’s very important for educators to approach food experiences with empathy and flexibility, working closely with families and specialists to tailor strategies to each child’s needs. Recognising and respecting these differences ensures that every child feels safe and supported.
Partnering with Families
Consistency between home and the early learning environment is key. Open communication with families helps align strategies and share successes.
Educators can let families know what’s working at the centre, celebrate small wins, and offer ideas to support healthy eating at home.
When families and educators work together, children receive clear, consistent messages around food which can build confidence and curiosity over time.
Building Skills Through Training
Supporting children’s nutrition is part of an educator’s role in many early childhood educational settings.
At Practical Outcomes we ensure that our learners gain insights on how to support children’s health and wellbeing in real-world settings, including how to approach mealtimes with empathy, knowledge, and confidence.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in children’s lives, or are seeking to upskill in the sector, take a look at our courses here.
