About 18 percent of children are picky eaters and most parents find it more stressful than dangerous. But a recent study by Duke University has found that some children may develop a condition called selective eating disorder as they get older.
Selective eating is more than just being picky. Selective eaters have severe anxiety when eating out or trying new foods.
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Most picky eaters will grow out of it, but doctors recommend watching for signs like avoiding social situations and obsessive behaviors.
Make sure you offer balanced meals. And remember, studies have shown that it takes 10 to 15 tries for a child to like a new food.
If you have a particularly picky eater, let them play with their food! Doctors say reducing a child's anxiety will help them learn to enjoy it.
The study also found that children who were severe picky eaters were 2.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with social anxiety, ADHD and depression.