While it may not be as serious as those we’ve watched on Freaky Eaters, fussy eating kids are driving parents mad.
A survey of over 3,000 parents by Green Giant found that one in three children have been described as fussy eaters by their parents.
Added to this, two out of three parents say that their kids are fussier than they themselves were when growing up.
One in twenty children hide food they don’t want to eat (one mother reported that her six-year-old son is regularly caught flushing peas down the toilet), while others sneak food onto other plates or feed it to the dog.
Of course, sulking, tantrums and claiming to be full also make an appearance ion the list of tactics used by children trying to avoid eating unappetising food.
To appease the kids, one in five parents say they have to cook different meals for each family member, while a similar number buy special “reward” puddings.
General Mills nutritionist Vanessa McConkey RNutri says: “These findings reinforce the importance of getting back to the table – sitting down together as a family to enjoy mealtimes, without the many distractions revealed by this survey. Kids can be very fussy and encouraging them to eat a proper, nutritious meal can be difficult for parents.
“Instilling healthy eating habits early on in life will help ensure children eat a healthy, balanced meal, rich in vegetables and fruit and get more of the nutrients they need. It will also increase the likelihood of these healthy habits being carried on throughout life. Choosing vegetables like canned sweet corn can make it much easier to ensure children get one of their recommended five a day.”
Healthy eating is a real marketing buzzword at present, as you’ll see if you watch a few food adverts on TV, but it can be a difficult balancing act to find food that kids will eat and that’s reasonably good for them.
Do you consider your kids to be fussy eaters? How have you tried to resolve the issue, or have you found yourself giving in to their pressure?
Share your thoughts, tips and tricks in the comments below.
One thought on “Fussy eating kids drive their parents mad, survey finds”
Kids can be fussy eaters. Schools now have anaphylactic policies. One such policy bans peanuts and tree nuts. The peanut butter sandwich has always been the #1 lunch box favourite.
School Safe Soybutter is a peanut butter replacement that tastes just like peanut butter. The eye catching 500g jar reads W0W! Tastes Just Like Peanut Butter! The good thing is it does!
Kids Love It! Testimonials and Video’s on Web Site.
School Safe Soybutter is good for you too! It is a Product of Canada made from Ontario Grown Soybeans. It is peanut and tree nut free, gluten free, dairy free, trans fat free, and made in a peanut and tree nut free facility and needs no refrigeration.
School Safebutter is a good source of omega 3, protein and energy.
School Safebutter is made of only 4 ingredients: soy, cane sugar, monoglyceride and sea salt.
A local school that once discouraged anything that even resembled PB now has ‘School Safe Soybutter in every classroom as part of it’s Healthy Lunch Program for kids who forget lunch, leave it on the bus or come to school without breakfast.
Parents want School Safe Soybutter – Families visiting Royal Winter Fair Soy Foods Canada Booth and the Soy House at the Ontario Grain Growers Booth sampled and demanded why can’t we get it??????
On-Line visitors demand why it is not in their local store. Go on Dragon’s Den!! they echo!!
Anyway, I keep telling everyone ask for it even it you don’t see it because the customer is their’s to please.
Soybutter solves so many lunch box headaches. Some kids since the PB ban just take jam sandwiches. Kids 1 in 3 they say are fussy eaters.
Make fussy kids happy at lunch time – give them School Safe Soybutter. Look for it, ask for it, demand it. Another suggestion – ask about School Fundraising. Portion packs for customer sampling to introduce this new food is free to School Fund Raisers.
Karen Mahon
519-345-2582
karen_mahon@hotmail.com