Where to go next with child’s fussy eating?

[Randomname85]

My daughter is 4 and since she was about 18 months old she’s gradually started rejecting foods until now I can count on one hand what she will eat - no joke. Pasta with cheese, toast, bagels, croissants and crisps. She won’t eat any fruit or veg at all - if she sees us eating vegetables she retches, if we try to encourage her to try things she freaks out and gets almost frightened. I’m starting to think it’s some sort of phobia but speaking the the GP they’ve just said it’s normal and she’ll grow out of it. Who can I speak to?! Dietician? Nutritionist? There must be someone who can help?

I would start with how to get fibre and other nutrients into the existing things she eats. Wholemeal bread, pasta and croissants. Pasta is made from all sorts these days, there are versions from lentils, chicken peas, pea protein etc. Does she drink juices at all? Smoothies are good for hiding things.

It sounds like there may be a bit of attention seeking or power play going on. Stop encouraging her to eat anything. Just serve her a plate containing safe food so she won't go hungry and add something else each time without mentioning it. Even better if it is something you are eating too. If she moans about it, just say its on the plate, but she is under no obligation to do anything with it and ignore. Persevere as there will be major resistance at first, but never make it a battle.

Also retching about food on other people's plates is just rude. Tell her that is not acceptable, it is your food and no one is asking her to try it.

With the safe foods and something added on the side that’s what we’ve done for 2 years and it just doesn’t ever work. When she retches she gets really embarrassed and says sorry - so it’s definitely not something she’s doing in purpose. Yes the good thing is she does drink smoothies so that’s how we get good stuff in.

It might be worth reading up on ARFID (avoidant and restrictive food intake disorder) OP. Some of what you say about your DD seems to really fit with it. If that is the problem she really won't be able to help her reactions eg the retching. You could have a read and if you think it's worth exploring maybe speak to your GP about it?

www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/types/arfid

Thanks @ribbonola I had actually considered ARFID but the gp is brushing me off. Maybe I just need to be more insistent. Thank you for your response 🙏🏻