Eating habits in children and teens
Food fuels our everyday lives, but for some families, it can also be a source of stress. Young children may refuse healthy foods or beg for the same snack over and over. Teens may struggle with how much they eat and how it relates to their body image.
Beyond nutrition, food creates moments of connection. It helps us grow, heal, move, and learn. It’s also part of how we celebrate, share culture, and show love. Helping your child build a healthy relationship with food means supporting them emotionally and physically. If their eating habits become a source of worry, frustration, or conflict, you’re not alone.
Help with eating habits for children and teens
Start by creating healthy food routines, like regular meals and snacks. Keep mealtimes calm and screen-free. Encourage your child to try new foods without pressure and listen to their concerns. When they try a vegetable or finish a meal, celebrate those wins.
But if your child continues to refuse food, shows sudden weight changes, or seems anxious about eating, there may be a larger underlying issue. Don’t wait to talk to their doctor. Early support can make a big difference in your child’s eating habits.
Learn more about eating habits at your child’s age
Eating habits in preschool and school-age children (0-11 years)
Young children are often picky eaters. It’s part of how they explore the world. They may refuse something new, cling to familiar favorites, or seem uninterested in food altogether. Others may snack often or struggle with overeating.
Many eating patterns are normal and shift as your child grows. But they can still leave you feeling unsure or stressed about their health.
What can I do?
You can encourage healthy eating habits and create a calm, positive mealtime setting with these tips:
- Plan the foods you want to offer or prepare in advance
- Keep a routine for meals and snacks
- Make trying new foods fun. Remember that kids may need to see or taste something several times before accepting it.
- Let your child help with simple kitchen tasks to spark curiosity around new foods
- Turn off screens and other distractions during meals
- Don’t worry too much about messes and spills from eating
- Model healthy eating habits yourself
Your child’s doctor can provide expert nutrition guidance. If your child is eating too much:
- Serve smaller portions and wait before offering seconds. It takes about 20 minutes to feel full after eating.
- Keep meals screen-free so your child can focus on their appetite
- If your child refuses part of a meal, like vegetables, avoid replacing it with preferred foods
If your child isn’t eating enough:
- Stick to a regular meal schedule to help their body learn when to expect food
- Limit snacks between meals so they come to the table hungry
When should I be concerned?
Pay attention if your child shows signs like:
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Slowed or stalled growth
- Extreme dislike of certain tastes or textures
- Intense food-related tantrums
- Worry about body image, which affects their eating
- Avoiding food due to fear of stomach aches
- Hiding, hoarding, or sneaking food
- Hair thinning
- Ongoing constipation or digestion issues
Where can I get help?
- Talk to your child’s pediatrician for expert guidance
- Contact Ohana at (831) OHANA01
While eating disorders are more common among teens and adults, they can start in school-age children. If you’re concerned about your child, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Eating habits in teens (12-18 years)
Puberty brings rapid growth and change physically, emotionally, and socially. Teens need more food to keep up with their development. At the same time, they’re navigating new pressures around how they look. Social media can amplify these pressures even more.
Behind the scenes, many teens quietly compare themselves and question their appearance. For some, food becomes a way to cope or feel in control. Your support is especially important during this new — and sometimes difficult — stage of life.
Eating disorder diagnosis and treatment
If your teen is struggling with food or body image, they’re not alone. About one in five teens experiences some form of disordered eating. For girls, the numbers are even higher.
Eating disorders exist on a spectrum, so it’s important to get an expert diagnosis. Your child’s provider can help determine the causes behind their eating disorder, related issues, and the best treatment options.
Common eating disorders include:
- Anorexia — Eating very little, fearing weight gain, and obsessively checking weight
- Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) — Avoiding eating due to fear of food, not body image concerns
- Binge-eating disorder — Eating large amounts of food in a short period, with little self-control
- Bulimia nervosa — Binge-eating followed by purging through vomiting, laxatives, or over-exercise
What can I do?
As your teen becomes independent, they start making their own choices, including what and when to eat. But your influence still counts. Try to:
- Keep a variety of healthy foods on hand from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy
- Involve your teen in meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking
- Focus on health and well-being, not weight or appearance
- Offer regular mealtimes, even if your teen can’t always join. Consistency helps create a healthy routine.
- Make meals a time for connection, not conflict. Keep the setting calm and screen-free.
- Avoid criticizing your teen’s food choices. Instead, offer healthy options without pressure.
- Be a role model for balanced eating and body acceptance. Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad.”
When should I be concerned?
Watch for these warning signs in your teen:
- Constant worry or negative talk about their weight or shape
- Frequent comparison to others’ bodies
- Rapid or unexplained changes in weight
- Obsession with dieting or “clean” eating
- Extreme exercise routines
- Hiding or sneaking food
- Skipping meals regularly
Where can I get help?
- Talk to your teen’s doctor
- Contact Ohana at (831) OHANA01
Eating disorders can be serious and even life-threatening, but they are treatable. Early help is key. Treatment often involves the whole family and usually includes therapy, nutrition support, and medication.
Ohana uses a range of evidence-based treatments. We know that no two families are alike, so we’ll get to know you and your child through an evaluation. This way, we choose a care approach that works for your needs. Learn more about our treatment options.
