Some children can be picky eaters at the best of times. During treatment, children might start refusing more food, even the ones you used to be able to rely on – and with good reason.

Chemotherapy can damage tastes buds during treatment, and it might take some time before taste returns to normal after treatment.

There’s are different ways tastebuds can be affected by treatment. These tips can help depending on your child’s experience,

A common things kids say is that the texture of food feels rough or like cardboard.

Treatment can make food taste bitter or metallic for some children. You can offer moist fruits like berries or melon and small sips of flavoured drinks. This can also be helpful if your child is experience a dry mouth.

If you child is struggling with a metallic taste, you can also try swapping your meatal cutlery with plastic, and use plastic or glass plates, bowls and cups.

If your child says their food is boring you can literally spice it up with fresh herbs, honey or soy.

If they say their food tastes too strong, you could try offering very simple food such as crackers, plain pasta or cereal.

If food is tasting too salty, you can try less salty alternatives to your child’s favourites. You can swap cheese slices and tasty cheese for mozarella, ricotta or cream chese. Instead of ham or salmi, you can try plain roast meat.