Helping Picky Eaters Without The Mealtime Battles: A Review of One Bite Won't Kill You

Author: Ann Hodgman

Themes: Anxiety, Mindfulness, Coping Skills, Autism, Developing Perspective, Parenting

Age Recommendation: Elementary School through High School

Summary: One Bite Won't Kill You is a cookbook, subtitled: "More than 200 recipes to tempt even the pickiest kids on earth...And the rest of the family too." I recommend this book not because of the recipes, even though they are great, but because it helps families start a conversation about the power struggles that can surround food and mealtimes. Ideally this conversation, and those that will follow, can be focused on collaborative problem solving and occur in a setting that isn't already emotionally charged - like mealtime. Any parent with a finicky eater will tell you that mealtimes can become a war zone when power struggles ensue; emotions run high, no one feels validated, and everyone leaves the table feeling wounded.

Thoughts: It is important to remember, though, that kids who struggle with feeding issues in addition to dealing with anxiety, sensory issues, or autism aren't just being picky eaters. Using this book with children who carry those diagnoses provides a space for them to talk about their fears or food aversions, discuss the comforting rituals associated with certain foods or textures, and develop a plan for incorporating their preferences into mealtimes. While the ultimate goal is help children become more flexible eaters, it is important that they be validated in the process.

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