My Child Refuses to Eat – Practical Strategies from a Speech Therapist

Many children refuse to eat, causing stress for their parents. If this sounds familiar, don’t be discouraged. Below are practical strategies to help create a more positive and pleasant experience around food.

🍽️ What You Can Try:

• Serve small portions: A full plate can overwhelm a child. Small amounts give them the chance to ask for more—something very positive!
  • Be patient with new foods: A new food may need 8–10 exposures. Gently offer it again at different meals.
  • Use color and presentation: Fun tableware and colorful meals can spark interest.
  • Avoid pressure: Too much insistence leads to resistance. Keep mealtimes calm and pleasant.
  • Don’t use sweets as a reward: Avoid saying “eat the broccoli to get chocolate.” This reinforces the “good vs. bad food” mindset.
  • Involve them in the process: Take your child to the store, cook together, let them choose ingredients.
  • Manage your own anxiety: Kids feel it—even when you don’t show it.
  • Introduce new foods gradually: One new item at a time, next to familiar favorites. Even accepting it on their plate is progress!
  • Read children’s books about food and how it helps the body.
  • Eat together at the table, away from screens. Modeling behavior is the strongest teacher.
  • Play with smells: Try guessing foods by scent with closed eyes. Room temperature enhances aroma.
  • Consult a speech therapist specializing in feeding and selective eating if needed.

💡 Remember: The goal isn’t for your child to clean their plate, but to develop a healthy and positive relationship with food.

Maria Lazarou
Speech and Language Therapist (SLP, BSc, M.A.)
Head of the Multidisciplinary Team, Evlogon