Fussy Eater in the family? Parenting tips to get your kids eating

How to Handle a Fussy Eater: A Survival Guide for Parents and Nannies

There’s not much more frustrating than a fussy eater—except maybe a toddler who’s a fussy eater. Stubborn, unpredictable, and often completely irrational, these tiny tyrants can go from loving broccoli one day to declaring it the enemy the next. You may find yourself negotiating at the dinner table, wearing more food than your toddler actually eats, or giving in to the familiar fallback of fish fingers and tomato sauce for the ninth night in a row.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

The Reality Behind Fussy Eating

A recent Australian survey found that 85% of parents and carers with children aged 2–12 feel frustrated by picky eating, worried their children aren't getting enough nutrients for healthy development.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, only 5.4% of children aged 2–18 are eating the recommended five daily servings of vegetables—often the first thing fussy eaters reject. At the same time, one in four children aged 5–17 is overweight or obese, showing how poor nutrition and selective eating can cause long-term health concerns.

As a nanny or parent, you're likely responsible for a child’s nutrition. Helping them through this phase matters—for today and for their future habits.

Practical Strategies That Work

Lead by Example
Children follow what they see. If you're not eating vegetables, they probably won't either. Choose meals that are colourful, nutritious, and that you genuinely enjoy eating. If you want them to eat it, show them how it's done.

Get Them Involved
Let them help prepare meals. Involving kids in shopping, washing vegetables, mixing ingredients, or even setting the table increases their interest and willingness to try what they’ve helped create.

Be Strategic
If mealtime battles are constant, temporarily blend vegetables into familiar meals. Grated carrot in spaghetti sauce or spinach in smoothies are simple ways to boost nutrients without the fight. Just remember, teaching them to eat whole fruits and vegetables should remain the long-term goal.

Set Realistic Expectations
Start small. Ask your child to touch or smell a food. Then encourage a small bite, over time. Praise any effort, even if they don’t like it in the end. That’s part of learning.

Create Calm Mealtimes
Avoid distractions and limit meals to 30 minutes. A calm environment helps children focus on their food. If toddlers are too wound up, take a few minutes of quiet time before meals so they can reset and focus.

Don’t Use Junk Food as a Reward
Avoid turning sugar-laden desserts into motivation. “Eat your veggies, then you get ice cream,” sends the wrong message. Children learn to see healthy food as a chore and dessert as the prize. Be firm. Stick to your message. It pays off.

Offer Substitutions
If your child refuses carrots, try corn or sweet potato. No to yoghurt? Offer cheese. Refuse red meat? Try chicken, beans, or mince-based dishes. Don’t give up—keep offering variety.

Check for Underlying Issues
Sometimes, fussy eating masks genuine discomfort. If you notice bloating, rashes, constipation, or digestive issues, seek medical advice. Teething, allergies, or sensory sensitivities can affect appetite.

Fussy Eating Is a Phase—Not a Failure

Mealtimes should be a time to connect, not a daily battle. Fussy eating is common and, in most cases, temporary. How you respond matters. Stay calm. Be consistent. And remember—your goal isn’t just one clean plate. It’s building a healthy relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.

Need Support?

If you're a nanny supporting a family with food challenges—or a parent seeking a helping hand—The Australian Nanny Agency connects families with nannies who understand nutrition, child behaviour.