The Difference Between Fussy Eating and Feeding Difficulties

It’s normal for kids to go through phases of picky eating, but sometimes, the challenges run deeper. A feeding difficulty isn’t just about refusing certain foods it’s when eating struggles begin to impact your child’s nutrition, daily routine, or the overall enjoyment of family meals.

Knowing what to look for can help you decide when to seek support from a Speech Pathologist or Feeding Therapist.

Signs That May Indicate a Feeding Difficulty

During Meals

• Anxiety or distress when new foods are on their plate

• Meals dragging on for 30 minutes or longer due to struggles

• Frequent mealtime tantrums or meltdowns

• Avoiding the table or leaving repeatedly

• Eating a completely separate meal from the rest of the family every time

Physical Signs

• Gagging or discomfort with certain food textures

• Difficulty chewing foods that should be manageable

• Food frequently falling out of their mouth while eating

• Trouble moving food around in their mouth

• Preference for specific textures with little willingness to try new ones

Food Preferences & Limitations

• A shrinking list of “safe foods”

• Entire food groups being avoided

• Reliance on nutritional supplements due to eating challenges

• Once a food is refused, it’s never accepted again

• Very limited variety—fewer than 20 different foods regularly eaten

Beyond the Plate

• Avoiding eating around friends or at daycare/school

• Refusing to eat at restaurants or in new settings

• Every meal feels like a struggle or power battle

• Social gatherings involving food cause stress for both child and family

• Preparing multiple separate meals to accommodate your child’s needs

If you’re noticing these challenges, a feeding specialist can provide guidance to help make mealtimes more positive and less stressful for your child and family.

The Impact of Mealtime Stress on Parents

The psychological and social impact on parents of children with feeding difficulties is often overlooked. However, Parents of children with feeding difficulties have a high level of stress and risk of anxiety and depression, with repercussions at the social, family, couple and work levels.

For parents, working with a Speech Pathologist can provide clarity and reassurance, offering a structured approach to mealtime challenges. They can educate parents on how to encourage more positive eating behaviours, manage mealtime routines, and help children develop the necessary skills to overcome feeding difficulties. This guidance not only improves the child’s ability to eat but also reduces the emotional burden on parents who might otherwise feel frustrated or helpless.