Introduction
Lunchboxes returning uneaten—from eventhe healthiest meals—can spark anxiety for parents. At The Brunswick School(TBS), we understand that picky eating is often a normal developmental phase,not a crisis. Rather than pressuring children to eat, our nurturing, responsiveapproach creates a safe, low-stress environment where curiosity andindependence flourish. This guide reassures families that when children eat—ordon’t—that it’s part of how they grow.
1. Understanding Why Children Sometimes Don’t Eat
Picky or selective eating is commonlyrooted in developmental stages or sensory sensitivities—not always hunger.Experts note children between ages 2 and 4 often assert independence via foodrefusal, or feel overwhelmed by textures or unfamiliar settings . Research also highlights that mostchildhood fussy eating is temporary—many children normalize by adolescence.
Responsive feeding strategies likeSatter’s Division of Responsibility (sDOR) empower parents to providestructured meals without pressure—promoting positive food associations andregular patterns.
2. Creating a Supportive Mealtime Environment
At TBS, mealtimes are calm, predictable, and respectful. We model responsive feeding by offering meals at consistent times and giving children space to decide how much to eat. Our staff sits with children, uses supportive language, and avoids labeling food as “good” or “bad”—choices shown to reduce resistance and stress.
Group mealtimes foster community. Seeing peers explore food encourages children to try new things while helping them feel part of something nurturing and fun.
3. Tips for Parents at Home
- Begin with structure: Serve meals and snacks at set times. Limiting grazing helps keep appetites curious at mealtime.
- Normalize curiosity: Model eating and describe flavors—“This carrot is crunchy and sweet”—to build language and familiarity.
- Positive exposure wins: Repeated, pressure-free exposure helps. It might take 8–15 tries for a child to accept a new food.
- Give autonomy: Let kids choose what to try, and avoid micromanaging bites. That independence fosters ownership of eating habits.
FAQs
Q: Is it normal if my child doesn’t eat much at school?
A: Yes. Many healthy children go through phases of picky eating or food resistance—especially in new environments. At TBS, our responsive approach, structure, and gentle encouragement help ease them back into eating comfortably.
Q: Should I worry about meal nutrition if my child skips school dinners?
A: Not immediately. As long as balanced meals and snacks are available, children catch up. Research shows many picky eaters normalize by their teenage years—and zinc intake aside, most nutritional gaps resolve.
Q: How can I avoid conflict around food at home?
A: Avoid food shaming or reward/restriction. Keep mealtimes neutral, offer a variety of foods without pressure, and let children decide portion sizes—creating positive long-term habits.
