Children are naturally sensitive to taste, texture, and smell, but some children are more sensitive than others. They may be upset by something they eat and gag or throw it up. A finicky eater also can be made, she said. In fact, parents who are fussy about their own food often pass their attitudes and preferences on to their children. Pressuring a child about food also can create a finicky eater.
Parents can, however, stop pressuring a child to eat and focus instead on table manners.
De-emphasizing the food itself frees a finicky eater to pick and choose from the foods that are offered. It also can allow them an opportunity to learn to cope with their food sensitivities. When feeding children, Satter recommends a division of responsibility. Parents are advised to be responsible for what, when and where a child eats. Planning snacks is important, and best when served so that children can come to meals hungry, but not famished.