A comprehensive approach to solving the problem of selective eating in children. Problems with eating in children are not just temporary difficulties that pass by themselves. They often hide deeper reasons that require careful and comprehensive approach. It is especially important to consider not only the objective reasons that led to such a condition, but also subjective factors, such as the child’s peculiarities and the psychological state of the mother. We consulted psychologist and special education teacher Vera Berseneva, and she explained to us the key aspects that can help mothers cope with this difficult task
Psychological support for the mother
One of the most important factors affecting the well-being of the child is the emotional state of the mother. When a mother is in a state of stress, anxiety, or chronic fatigue, she can unintentionally transfer her negative emotions to the child. This, in turn, affects his behavior, including his perception of food. The child may begin to refuse food or become selective in eating, which further exacerbates the situation.
“To break this vicious cycle, the mother needs to seek psychological support. Psychological counseling or specialist help can be the first step towards restoring inner balance,” says the psychologist. Support that helps the mother cope with her own emotions and learn to manage stress not only improves her condition, but also positively affects the child. After all, a happy and calm mother is the key to a child’s harmonious development, including in terms of diet.
Work on sensory integration for both mother and child
Another important aspect is the sensory integration of both the child and the mother. Many children with selective eating exhibit sensory hypersensitivity. This means that certain food textures or even its smell can cause discomfort in the child. For example, a child may refuse to put new foods in their mouth because they dislike their tactile sensations.
To solve this problem, it is important to work with the child’s entire tactile system, not just with individual parts such as the hands or mouth. The goal is to balance sensory responses and help the child overcome their fears and discomfort.
“Special attention should be paid to the proprioceptive system and vestibular apparatus, as their balance directly affects other sensory systems. Simply put, regular physical activity plays a key role in maintaining sensory balance,” explains Vera. For the child, this could mean games involving movement, sports activities, or just active walks in the fresh air.
It is equally important for the mother to pay attention to her own sensory balance. Activities such as sports, jogging or walks, massage or self-massage, swimming, dancing—all help maintain the vestibular and proprioceptive systems in check. This not only improves overall physical condition but also helps cope with stress and maintain emotional stability.
Balance in expanding the diet
The next step in solving the problem of selective eating is helping the mother find a balance between expanding the diet and avoiding excessive pressure on the child. In an effort to introduce new foods into the diet, mothers can inadvertently create additional stressful situations for the child. It is important to remember that coercion or pressure can lead to the opposite effect, where the child becomes even more resistant to innovations.
The mother should act gradually, taking into account the child’s reaction, and provide him with choices, thereby reducing his anxiety. For example, you can offer the child several dish options and allow him to choose what he wants to try. This approach helps reduce stress levels and ease the process of expanding the diet.
If the mother is ready to receive help that considers all these aspects, she will be able not only to provide better nutrition for her child but also to improve his overall physical and emotional state.
