Aoife Hearne: How can I get my picky son to eat in school hours?
Dietitian Aoife Hearne offers advice to a parent struggling with their child's picky eating habits during the longer secondary school day. She suggests focusing on nutrient-dense breakfast and dinner options to ensure the child meets their nutritional needs.
Why it matters
Managing child nutrition during school transitions is a common parental concern that impacts long-term health and academic performance.
Dietitian Aoife Hearne: 'Despite the longer school day, there are ample opportunities to ensure he consumes the energy and nutrients he needs to stay healthy and grow.' Picture: iStock
Aoife Hearne is a CORU-registered dietitian and the founder of Nutrition Solutions. She is a lecturer and course leader for the Nutrition & Exercise Science degree programme at South East Technological University (SETU).
My youngest recently started secondary school. He’s always been a picky eater, but the early finish at primary meant I could feed him once he got home, so it didn’t matter whether he ate his school lunch or not. I’m worried about him managing the longer days without proper nutrition. My husband says he’ll eat when he’s hungry, but I can’t remember the last time he said he was hungry. What would you suggest?
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