As a children’s dietitian, I know how stressful BBQs and social mealtimes can feel when you have a fussy eater. You worry they won’t eat anything, that others will comment, or that you’ll end up in a battle of wills over a sausage. But summer BBQs can also be a brilliant chance to help your child explore food in a lower-pressure, more playful way.
The key? Involvement and fun – not pressure. Here are 10 ways you can help your fussy eater feel more comfortable and even enjoy themselves at the BBQ this summer.
1. Let them Help Plan the Menu
Involve your child in choosing one or two foods for the BBQ. This could be a favourite safe food or something new they’d like to try. Giving them some control helps reduce anxiety and builds positive mealtime experiences.
Example: Ask them, “Should we do sweetcorn or baby potatoes today?” or “Do you want to help make fruit skewers?”
2. Make it About More Than Eating
Talk about BBQs as a time to relax, play, and be together – not just about food. If all the focus is on eating, it can raise pressure. Instead, let the food just be one part of the day.
Tip: Set up garden games, bring bubbles or chalk, or invite them to pick a playlist.
3. Have Familiar Foods Available
Always include at least one food you know your child will eat. This gives them reassurance, helps avoid meltdowns, and means they’re more likely to engage with the experience.
Example: If they only eat plain bread rolls or chicken nuggets, pop a few in the oven and serve them alongside the BBQ food.
4. Set Up a DIY Station
Think build-your-own burger, wrap, or skewer. Kids love feeling in control, and DIY stations create opportunities to interact with food in a relaxed way – even if they don’t eat it.
Tip: Use cocktail sticks or bamboo skewers and offer a range of options – from familiar to new.
5. Involve Them in Food Prep
Helping prepare the food – washing vegetables, threading fruit onto skewers, or brushing oil on corn – encourages sensory play without pressure to eat.
Bonus Tip: Use child-safe knives or kid-friendly tools to give them a job they can do confidently.
6. Give a Role on the Day
Kids feel more secure when they know what to expect. Give them a role like “chief napkin folder” or “burger bun checker.” This helps them feel part of the day without focusing on food.
7. Use Divided Plates or Napkins
If your child is sensitive to food touching, offer divided plates or let them use separate napkins to arrange their food. This small change can make a big difference.
8. Bring Some Backup Snacks
It’s okay if your child doesn’t eat BBQ food. Having some backup snacks they enjoy can ease stress and help them feel more settled.
Example: Bring crackers, yoghurt pouches or a small lunchbox with their usual foods.
9. Make the Environment Comfortable
Think about shade, seating, and noise. If sensory challenges play a role in their fussy eating, consider ear defenders, picnic blankets, or a quieter spot to eat.
10. Celebrate Any Wins (Big or Small)
Whether they touched a burger bun or helped stir the pasta salad, acknowledge it. Small positive moments build their confidence and shape their long-term relationship with food.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Fussy eating can feel frustrating, isolating, and overwhelming – especially at social events. But there are ways to support your child without the battles. I offer bespoke 1:1 support packages to guide you through your child’s unique feeding challenges.
Together, we’ll build a realistic plan that fits your family — using proven strategies for fussy eating and food sensory challenges.
👉 Book a support call today and let’s get started
Want More Ideas Like This?
Sign up to my free mailing list for weekly tips, recipes, and advice tailored to your child’s needs. Whether you’re managing extreme fussy eating, navigating allergies, or tackling sensory mealtime struggles — I’ve got you covered.
Written by Dr Kirsty Porter, Children’s Dietitian