ARFID – Picky Eaters

Reducing Food-related stress

Nutrition healthy eating habits for kids concept. Children do not like to eat vegetables.

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Many children are picky eaters, which is a normal part of development.

Usually, when children are 6-7 years old, they naturally broaden their diet and consume a broader range of foods. However, there are cases where this does not happen, and children continue to be highly selective in their eating habits, further narrowing down the types of food they consume. If your child is a picky eater, SPACE-ARFID treatment can assist you in effectively managing their selective eating at home.

Do you find yourself constantly adjusting menus or cancelling social or restaurant visits because your child’s favourite food is unavailable?

It’s time to discover SPACE-ARFID, a revolutionary parent-based treatment for children and adolescents with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

Flexibility around food

Improve the child’s flexibility with regards to food by introducing a variety of different foods, encouraging them to try new things, and creating a positive and relaxed eating environment.

adjustment to food settings

To enhance your child’s ability to adapt to different food-related situations, it is crucial to employ effective strategies that foster their comfort and confidence in a variety of dining scenarios.

Reduce food-related stress

To manage food-related stress, focus on developing healthy eating habits and eating well-balanced meals. Prioritize nutrient-rich foods and avoid restrictive diets that may decrease satisfaction. Instead, practice mindful eating to improve overall well-being and have a positive relationship with food.

Stop accommodations

In order to address picky eating habits and food-related challenges, it is important to minimize the reliance on unhelpful accommodations. By reducing their occurrence, we can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of managing these issues.

Family dinner, child and mother with vegetables serving at a home table with happiness on holiday.

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ARFID Treatment

ARFID is not driven by fear of gaining weight or distorted body image but can have serious medical consequences. When children are restricted from essential nutrients, it can lead to anemia, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and more. Don’t let your child’s picky eating habits compromise their health and well-being.

But it’s not just the physical impact. ARFID can also interfere with daily functioning and cause conflicts within the family. Imagine the relief of no longer having to deal with the distress of food-related situations in public or missing out on family activities and vacations due to your child’s pickiness.

That’s where SPACE-ARFID comes in. This innovative treatment focuses on empowering parents to make positive changes in their own behavior, without putting the burden on their children. By participating in SPACE-ARFID sessions, parents will learn specific skills and tools to support their child, reduce food-related stress, and eliminate accommodations made for their child’s symptoms.

The goal of SPACE-ARFID is to increase your child’s flexibility around food and improve their adjustment to food-related situations. When successful, children experience less distress and function better in various food scenarios. Imagine the joy of seeing your child enjoy a wider range of foods and no longer feeling limited by their pickiness.

Don’t wait any longer to address your child’s extreme picky eating habits. Take the first step towards a healthier and happier future for your family. Consult with a pediatrician to see if SPACE-ARFID is the right solution for your child. You deserve peace of mind and your child deserves a chance to overcome their eating challenges. Embrace the power of SPACE-ARFID and unlock a world of possibilities for your child’s relationship with food.

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Ready to reduce food-related stress?

At STG, we strongly believe that no one should be pressured to decide whether or not they want to work with a therapist before meeting them. A therapist will see you (or you and your child) at no charge in an online secure session to ensure a good fit for each other. Every therapist works in their unique way, so we want you (or you and your child) to be sure to feel comfortable with how we work. The initial meeting is not a therapy session; it’s designed to be low-key and low-pressure. 

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Phone: (306) 518 – 8701