Why Your Child Isn’t Eating Enough (And What to Do About It!)

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably worried at some point about whether your child is eating enough. And let’s be honest—it’s not just about what’s on their plate, but also about their growth and nutrition.

In the past, we used the term “failure to thrive”, which makes sense when you consider its origins in agriculture. If a plant doesn’t get enough sunlight or nutrients, it doesn’t grow properly. But when applied to kids, this phrase often made parents feel blamed rather than supported.

Another major concern? Nutrient intake. One of the biggest worries is iron deficiency. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 16% of children aged 4-8 and a staggering 48% of teens aged 14-18 aren’t getting enough iron.(Source)

So, what’s causing the lack of food intake?

Possible Reasons Your Child Isn’t Eating Enough

If you follow my Instagram, you know there’s a long list of reasons why kids might struggle with food intake. Some are easier to fix than others. Let’s break it down:

🔹 Food Fatigue & Preferences – Sometimes, kids just get bored of certain foods. Think about the last time you ate the same thing every day—after a while, you needed a break, right? But then you might return to it in a different form (new flavour, brand, or presentation), and suddenly, it’s back in rotation! This is common for picky eaters who are experimenting with food control.

🔹 Sensory Challenges – For some kids, certain textures, smells, or tastes are completely overwhelming. Their brain perceives certain foods as threats, triggering a fight-or-flight response. This isn’t about being stubborn—it’s a real physiological reaction!

🔹 Anxiety Around Food – If a child has had negative experiences with eating (feeling pressured, choking, or gagging), they might start to associate food with stress. Anxiety itself can suppress appetite, making mealtimes even harder.

🔹 ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) – This is a more severe form of food avoidance that goes beyond picky eating. Kids with ARFID often have extreme food fears or aversions that impact their nutrition and growth.

What Not to Do When Your Child Isn’t Eating

Many well-meaning parents adopt strategies that seem helpful but can actually backfire. Here are some common pitfalls:

❌ Pressuring – Saying “just one bite” may feel like encouragement, but for a child who’s struggling, it can feel like force.

❌ Bribing – Offering dessert or screen time as a reward teaches kids that certain foods are “bad” and others are “good.”

❌ Over-Controlling Portions – Pre-determined serving sizes can make kids feel pressured and less likely to eat.

❌ Only Serving Preferred Foods – While it’s tempting to stick to what your child eats without complaint, this limits their food exposure and makes it harder to introduce new foods.

What Actually Helps

Now for the good news! There are gentle, effective ways to support your child’s eating without stress or battles.

✅ Exposure Therapy – Instead of pressuring kids to eat new foods, simply allow the food to be present in their space. The more familiar a food becomes, the less intimidating it is!

✅ Safe Foods – Always include at least one food your child feels comfortable with, but don’t make eating it conditional on trying something new.

✅ Autonomy & Choice – Let your child decide what and how much to eat, while you control the when and where.This balance builds trust and reduces mealtime anxiety.

Final Thoughts

If your child isn’t eating enough, you’re not alone! Many kids struggle with food intake for a variety of reasons, from sensory sensitivities to anxiety. The key is to provide gentle exposure, food variety, and autonomy without pressure.

If you need extra support, I’m here to help! Book a consultation or download my free ARFID Survival Guide to get expert tips on stress-free mealtimes.