My son went through a stage like this when he was around 8 years old as well. He only ate chicken nuggets, toast or pizza base! I was thinking I was the worst mother ever. I spoke to a nursing friend who put me at ease and said he will grow out of it. Sure enough he did. He is now one of the most adventurous eaters I know.

Don’t make too big a deal out of eating. Our rule is that you have to at least try two bites of anything (decent sized) before you can say you don’t like it. But then you don’t have to finish it – although you may be asked to try it again in a few days or a week. But not force feeding a whole serving has made my kids less picky.

Growing up my mum told me that you don’t know if you like something unless you’ve tried it 20 times – and that adults can only make that decision because they have tried the foods more than 20 times. Sounds simple but it worked for me! She also would allow me to eat the foods that I wanted after I had finished the veggies or whatever healthy food was on my plate/everyone else was having – rather than saying no completely.

Otherwise, it might be worth consulting a doctor or psychologist if it continues.

Not sure if you have tried this (I did this with my fussy child and now he is open to trying other things) but when we eat at the table (mind you, not always possible so even try this once a week) we would have a banquet (that’s what I call it) where there are a few different foods on the table and they get to eat what they want. So for example, we do wraps (think Mexican wraps) and I put on the table, cooked lamb, maybe chicken or prawns, then cheese, tomato, lettuce, dip/sauce, carrot etc. They then can choose what to put in the wrap. My son would try one teeny bit of meat for example just because he didn’t have to eat a whole plate of it.

There could be a lot of reasons for this but since it only started a month ago I wouldn’t be too concerned yet. Hopefully it’s just a stage. Keep making your regular meals just make sure there’s at least one thing on the plate you know she’ll eat. Is she the same with drinks? Maybe a green fruit juice? Thats something my kids will always gave and it makes me feel better knowing theyre still getting their vitamins in.. If you are really worried and nothing changes definitely see your gp, who might be able to recommend a good supplement or even write you a referral to see a specialist

I think just feed her what you can and sneak foods in that she doesn’t realise are there. Another thing I think about is that I have a condition called parosmia and most foods taste like literal garbage to me. It’s caused by virus attacking the smell and taste centre in the brain. Might be something to look into.

My son has ARFIDS and does this. I strongly suggest a review with a psychologist and dietician. It sounds like sensory avoidance, and certain textures can cause people with incorrectly wired brains to experience physical pain and an adrenaline rush. If it is this, it isnt being picky, and it opens treatment doors. Good luck!

I would just dish up the meal I had cooked and let her eat what she likes of it. One thing I know, no child has ever starved themselves to death. The more talk and worry about the situation will only make it worse and unless you want to cook different meals for each member of your household, then you will have to just dish it up and see where it takes you.

My kids have been picky from time to time and it can be hard, but I’ve always taken the tough approach. I make a meal for everyone and they can either take it or leave it. I dish up the food and the kids need to at least eat some of it. If they put up too much of a fight I will even spoon feed them some of it.
I’m sure what your daughter is going through is just a phase and if you stick it out she will realise that you won’t cave and will accept what you are offering her. She may still be picky with some things, but it might broaden her pallet a little.

Mmm this is a tricky one! I’m sorry to hear what you’re going through and it does sound pretty stressful for you.
It definitely sounds like you’ve tried a lot of things to help her and you are clearly a very supportive and caring parent. Well done you!!
Like some others have already said it could be a case of tough love, maybe you serve dinner and say that’s what we are having. Hopefully she will eventually give it a go. That being said some foods just aren’t for some people. My mum tried to keep me at the dinner table for hours until I ate my pumpkin and I refused every time. Now as an adult I still don’t eat it and that’s fine by me. I get plenty of healthy foods and I think that’s the issue. Is she healthy? Is she getting enough good foods in her diet? If not then you could try reading her some books and or educating her about healthy eating and why it’s important to include those foods in your diet. You can pick a healthy recipe together go to the shop and let her purchase the ingredients and come home and she can help cook it for the family.
Perhaps start small including just one of the things she doesn’t like. Ie. Carrots
Show her alll the different ways you can make them. I didn’t eat seafood at all growing up because my family only made it one way. Then I met my husband and a whole new world of seafood recipes opened up for me and now I love it. When our kids went through the not liking certain foods stage we never forced them to eat it but we did make a big deal about how impressed and how proud we were whenever they tried something new. That’s all we ever asked. Remind her that it can take a few tries before you like something new so try a little bit every now and again and see how you go.
If you really get stuck then there is always professional support out there. Dietitian or psychologists etc.
Good luck with it. Don’t stress too much over it she might just grow out of it.

Unless a medical professional signals cause for concern regarding your child’s diet, refrain from excessive worry. If concerns about picky eating persist, consult with your family physician and possibly ask for a referral to deitician/speech therapist/ OT/ feeding therapy. As long as your child’s aversion to specific foods is not hindering growth, health or development, allow dietary autonomy.
Understand the root of picky eating
A child’s reluctance to eat certain foods isn’t always because he or she is “just being difficult.” A top reason is having an anxious temperament. Individuals who run anxious tend to be anxious about trying new things, including new foods. Genetics may also play a role, as we all have different ways of perceiving taste. What might taste great to you — broccoli, for example — could taste bitter and inedible to your child.
Be patient
Remember that it takes a child 5 to 10 times of trying a food to determine whether he or she likes it. Don’t give up directly. Offer choice and respect authonomy.

Some people have colour choices. I know the lady she was in her 50’s. She came to my class as first aid. She was wearing purple dress, purple shoes , pen, notebook, handbag, water bottle and her hair colour everything was purple.
I couldn’t stop myself to ask her” Is purple your favourite colour?” She told me she can’t live without purple colour. She said if any day I won’t like purple then i am not normal.
Why did i tell you the story because your daughter might be in the same boat as that lady.
Plz consult with someone who knows better about it. Its normal but they have really strong beliefs in colours.

Keep adding the same stuff to the plate to get them used to it but don’t be upset if they don’t. Just consistent, eventually they will taste some.

We found an Occupational Therapist & a Speech Pathologist were able to offer support and strategies too.

At nine, unless there’s a clear medical reason (and I do include mental health reasons there), you should simply make the family meal and tell her she’s welcome to eat it or go without.

When my boys go through fussy phases I just say “you don’t have to eat if you don’t want to. Dinner is here if you change your mind”. Sometimes they choose not to eat , sometimes they wait 20-30 minutes and then eat. I never throw dinner out until everyone has gone to bed as if they ask for food at bed time I offer to heat up their dinner.

Yes I agree, in general do not make a big deal of it and certainly don’t fight or force

I’d try to not make a big deal out of it. I’d make a big deal about what you’re eating, let her overhear the comments on how good it was, can I have more, that’s amazing etc.

We received support from a dietician and it helped.

Most kids go through a fussy with food stage. Keep doing what you’re doing, she’s incapable of starving herself, she’ll eat eventually. Keep healthy snacks on hand for between meals if she’s not eating much at mealtimes