You wouldn’t wish it on your worst enemy at the best of times. Dealing with fussy eating children is really stressful and can overshadow every single meal time. It can make social occasions and eating out a total nightmare. And let’s not even go there with holidays. It is one of your biggest sources of daily stress and you really do resent it. 

You wouldn’t wish it on your worst enemy at the best of times. Dealing with fussy eating children is really stressful and can overshadow every single meal time. It can make social occasions and eating out a total nightmare. And let’s not even go there with holidays. It is one of your biggest sources of daily stress and you really do resent it. 
However, there is something really comforting about knowing how many other parents are right there with you. Knowing that you are not the only person dealing with fussy eaters is reassuring on so many different levels. During the most difficult moments, it can feel extremely isolating. Social media is full of photographs of children eating all kinds of exotic foods and you have to bribe your kid to eat a green bean. 
Seeing other parents go through the same struggle highlights that you are not alone and that you are certainly not a bad parent. You are just another member of the club. 
In fact, you’ve become a bit of a pro at spotting other parents who are struggling with fussy eaters. 
  • In a playdate situation, they will often suggest a strange time that falls directly after breakfast or lunch. This is to avoid a picnic or “let’s meet for lunch” situation where their child will eat nothing and they will feel exposed. Meal times at home are just so much easier. You want to throw your arms around them and say “me too”.
  • They will praise their child for trying the most mundane items of food. We are talking hands-clapping eyes-brimming-with-tears kind of praise. The smallest steps can feel like massive triumphs.
  • They may be seen to be spoon feeding an older child who can probably use a spoon themselves. There is a good chance that an iPad or phone may be placed strategically to distract them during the feeding process.
  • They tune out when other parents share recipe ideas and food stories. In fact, you both rolled your eyes at the very same time when quinoa was mentioned.
  • They will vet a plate of food before placing it in front of their child. They may rearrange the ingredients or make sure foods are not touching each other.
  • They spend way too much money on spoons, plates and books that claim to “cure” your child of fussy eating.
  • When their child’s favourite snack is on sale they literally buy a year’s worth. Imagine they stopped making it. IMAGINE.
  • Ketchup is served with everything and may be the only way their child will allow food to be transported to their mouth. You gotta do what you go gotta do. It more than likely has to be a specific brand of ketchup too. 
  • At some point during every meal time, someone at the table will end up in tears. More often than not it is the parent.
  • Their child is holding their nose or making THE face at the sight of anything edible that comes into their line of vision.
Safety in numbers right?
Written by Tracey Quinn staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.loveofliving.ie.

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