Posted on July 1, 2008 in latest news
Parents often worry when their child does not eat all the food served. They try to force the child to eat. Some children are picky eaters. They eat only their favorite foods and avoid all foods served to them. Parents try various ways to make the child eat.Frustrated by the child’s refusal to accept what they serve, they either cajole the child into eating or at times resort to physical violence such as slapping or beating the child.
Parents need to realize that children have their own individual tastes and preferences. What they might like today, they may not like tomorrow. Parents need to understand the child’s preferences and be concerned with the child’s health. Why does a child not eat everything is a question they need to answer themselves. Yes, why is it so?
Why is a Child Picky Eater?
- It is normal development in child to be choosy about food. They are learning to be independent
- The child is also learning to say “no” to things
- Some children have “slow stomachs”. Food does not pass on so easily through their stomach; as result they do not eat so frequently
- Picky eating could be due to a compulsive and obsessive and compulsive disorder
- Young children eat only when they are hungry
- Toddlers fill up on milk and often do not have space for solids
How to Cope Up?
- Parents should offer healthy and nutritious foods of various varieties to child
- Do not expect instant acceptance from the child when it comes to strong flavored foods
- If the child does not eat what is served, then remove it from the table
- Do not force the child to eat
- It takes time for the child to taste new foods
- One can provide incentives to make a child eat
- Consult a dietician to ensure that the child gets all the nutrients
- A complete medical examination should be done to ensure that the child does not suffer from any abnormalities or diseases
- Parents should respect the hunger of the child or lack of it
- One should stay calm
- Do not expect too much
- Offer food in small portion. Let the child choose what he or she wants
- One should know when to seek help
Do not get annoyed over a child who is a picky eater. Understand his or her tastes and cater to his or her needs accordingly. Do not fret over his or her not eating foods that have been served on the table. A child has every right to decide what he or she wants to eat. Parents need not always decide what is right for them.
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