What To Do When Children Don’t Want To Eat
A frequent concern among parents is when children don’t want to eat. Generally, there is nothing to worry about because it tends to be a stage that is overcome. But if the pediatrician does indicate it, you may need to help him gain weight.
While it is a baby, the growth rate is very fast, so it is common for babies to eat good amounts of food.
But between the ages of 2 and 5, infantile loss of appetite appears. This can even be extended to 6 or 7 years. When the regular mealtime comes, the child refuses food and refuses to eat at the table. Parents force children, offer rewards or punishments. Then lunchtime turns into a battle.
Learn to eat
The beginning of complementary feeding is an awakening of flavors for the baby’s palate. From just feeding with milk, the introduction of food begins and the baby is eager to taste and eat. Eat with gusto. But as it grows, preferences begin to appear.
After the first year of life, several factors appear that make the child less interested in food. The growth rate slows down and is satisfied with complementary feeding. Furthermore, his interest in the world around him puts food on the back burner.
As they grow, they seem to prefer a few foods in small quantities. Parents begin to worry. Food becomes a frequent consultation with the pediatrician or on the Internet forums, alarmed because “their children do not want to eat.”
Parents concerned about the nutrition of the child, we force them to take food in quantities greater than what they need. Other parents will insist that children must learn to eat everything regardless of their preferences. The child refuses to eat, which may affect his weight.
Refusal to eat
Behind the decrease in appetite there may also be organic reasons. A chronic illness, a flu illness or an acute infection will cause the child to refuse food. It is usually a short period. And once overcome, the appetite is restored.
The problem begins when the child feels hungry and tries to satisfy it only with foods that are pleasant to him. Of course, parents are crucial to resolve this circumstance.
If the parents’ concern leads them to create a tense environment at mealtime, the child’s refusal is encouraged. On the other hand, if when the child only wants to eat what he likes and gives in to the whim, a negative precedent is set.
The child will refuse to eat the regular food because he knows that when he is hungry there is someone who will give him whatever he wants. If this conflict is prolonged, the healthy nutrition of the child can be affected. Before which a medical indication may arise that it is necessary to help him gain weight.
Children who don’t want to eat: how to help them gain weight
Children learn to eat the amounts they need to be satisfied. If they are healthy and happy children growing at the right rate, we should not worry so much about the percentile they occupy on the growth charts.
Parents should only be concerned with creating a pleasant environment when eating and ensuring healthy eating. However, if you lose a lot of weight there may be a medical indication that we should help you gain weight.
Some recommendations for children who do not want to eat
Here are some basic recommendations to strengthen their nutrition and get children to eat:
- Introduce new foods in a progressive and attractive way. If he repeatedly refuses to eat a food, try to offer him another that has similar nutrients.
- Set an example. As much as a child rejects the diversity of foods, if he sees how his parents eat, sooner or later, he will be encouraged to try what they offer him. Hence the importance of the child eating at the table together with the whole family and without personalized menus.
- Take advantage of their preferences to introduce new foods. Creativity has no limits when it comes to cooking and offering options for children to learn to eat. Food presentation counts, so be creative.
- If your child consistently refuses to try new foods, be patient and persistent. Avoid getting angry and just keep insisting. If the child’s refusal is not followed by negative consequences such as nausea or vomiting, he will gradually accept the new foods.
- After an infection, it is normal for the child to lose weight, but it will tend to gain weight quickly. Take advantage of restored appetite to help you gain weight.
For children who do not want to eat: it is not about gaining weight
Remember that it is not just about gaining weight. Excessive consumption of sugary, chemically processed foods rich in trans fat are not the healthy formula for gaining weight. Childhood obesity is a serious problem that is best avoided.
Mealtime has to be a pleasant time for the whole family. That positive relationship is what influences having a better appetite. That works for everyone, regardless of how old we are.
When the child associates eating with something pleasant, they will surely overcome the problems of lack of appetite. If the child is still not eating well, the pediatrician may consider the use of vitamins or food supplements to help him gain weight.
