10 Tips for Managing Picky Eating in Children with T1D

If you’ve ever sat at the table negotiating “just one more bite” with your child, you’re not alone! Picky eating is common in children, and for families managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) it can feel especially stressful. Balancing nutrition, blood sugars, and your child’s preferences can sometimes seem like an impossible juggling act. The good news? With patience, creativity, and a few smart strategies, picky eating doesn’t have to turn mealtimes into battles.

Here are some practical and reassuring tips to help your child explore food, develop healthy eating habits and keep diabetes management on track.

1. Play with food (yes, really!)

Children often learn through play, and food is no exception. Let them touch, squish, smell, and even lick new foods without pressure to eat them straight away. Exploring textures and colours can help reduce food anxiety and build familiarity. Think of it as a stepping stone toward eventually tasting- and maybe even liking- that next veggie or grain.

2. Keep trying, even after a “no”

Taste buds change and develop over time. Just because your child refused broccoli on Monday doesn’t mean they won’t try it next week (or even next month). Offer rejected foods again in small amounts alongside familiar favourites. Consistent, gentle exposure helps widen their palate over time.

3. Involve them in food shopping and prep

If your child is old enough, let them pick out a fruit or vegetable at the shop, or help stir, pour or sprinkle ingredients during cooking. Children are far more likely to try foods they’ve had a hand in choosing or preparing. Plus, it makes mealtimes feel fun instead of stressful.

4. Slow and steady wins the race

Some children eat quickly, others take their time. Encourage your child to eat at their own pace without rushing them. Mealtimes don’t need to be long, but giving them a calm space to finish can reduce stress for both of you.

5. Expect ups and downs in appetite

It’s normal for children to eat very little one day and much more the next. Appetite varies with growth spurts, energy levels, and even mood. Try not to panic if one meal (or even a whole day) feels light- chances are, they’ll make up for it soon. With T1D, remember you can always “top up” with safe carb choices, if needed.

6. Limit distractions at mealtimes

TV, toys and tablets can make eating a low priority. Create a family routine where meals are about food and connection. Even a few minutes of focused eating can make a difference in how much your child eats and how stress-free mealtime feels.

7. Watch out for liquids that fill them up

Drinks like milk or juice can take the edge off hunger. Offer drinks in moderation during meals, and if they’re thirsty, try water between meals so it doesn’t interfere with their appetite.

8. Stay calm- there’s always a backup plan

One of the biggest challenges for parents of T1D children is balancing blood sugars when picky eating strikes. Remember: it’s okay. You can “top up” carbs if your child hasn’t eaten much of their main meal. Keep easy go-to options handy, such as:

• Milk

• Toast

• Fruit juice

• Crackers

• A small banana

Having these on hand takes the stress out of last minute adjustments and helps you stay calm if mealtimes doesn’t go as planned.

9. Make food fun with variety and presentation

Sometimes it’s not about the food itself but how it’s served. Cutting sandwiches into fun shapes, offering “rainbow plates” with a mix of colourful veggies, or creating a snack platter with small portions of different foods can make mealtimes feel like an adventure. Variety in presentation helps reduce pressure and sparks curiosity.

10. Model adventurous eating

Child often mirror what they see. If you try new foods with enthusiasm (even if you don’t love them yourself), your child is more likely to give them a go. Share how you experience flavours- “this carrot is crunchy!” or “this kiwi is sweet and tangy!”- to make tasting fun and engaging.

Final thoughts: Keep it positive

Picky eating is often just a phase, but even if it lasts longer, try to approach meals with calm and positivity. The more pressure and stress attached to eating, the more resistant children may become. Celebrate small wins- like a single bite of a new food- and remember consistency and patience go a long way.

With these ten strategies (and a well-stocked kitchen for carb top-ups), you’ll be able to manage picky eating while keeping your child’s T1D needs balanced.