My 6 year-old holding a plate of food he helped prepare
Trying to feed a toddler or a child who just refuses to eat is frustrating. This is one of the battles almost every second mother I know is fighting.
I ruined mealtime for my oldest because I force-fed him when he started solids and this made it chaotic.
After doing some research, I learned that forcing feeding a child only creates trauma.
According to my research, children start having a regressed appetite from the toddler stage (1-3-year-old) and above. Unless your child has underlying medical issues that lead to them refusing food. You can read more here: https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_xs2o10ra
Sometimes their appetite will increase, especially when they are having growth spurts.
Bullying them into eating only makes matters worse, and as I have read before somewhere on the internet, it teaches them to not listen to what their body is telling them. When they are hungry, they will always say so and eat. Sometimes they will only just want to eat junk food.
Never force a child to eat-don't beat them, or punish them for not eating either. I have also learned that tricking them into eating is also problematic. Remember these are their bodies, and they are experts at knowing when they are hungry and when they are not.
I am a mom who is obsessed with a routine, and I often have to remind myself that my child will not always be hungry at a certain time based on my routine. Sometimes they are distracted and just want to play-It is okay, let them be, when it is time to eat they will eat.
Here a few tips for making mealtimes pleasant
*Give them options if you can.
*If they are not hungry, tell them you will put their food away and they can have some when they are hungry-store them well.
*Invest in a multi-vitamin.
*Give them enough time to eat don't rush them.
*Letting them feed themselves from at least 7-9 months usually helps them become independent and they enjoy eating
*Ask if they would like to be fed by you-My oldest is 6 years old and sometimes he wants me to feed him.
*Introduce new food-It can be very boring for them to eat the same thing, it also gives you an idea of what they like.
*If they have a favourite like they want to eat cereal all the time, try to ask if you can something else to the cereal. For instance, kiddo would rather eat lettuce inside a sandwich than in a salad, and the only vegetables he likes are carrots and cucumbers so I always buy those.
*Invite them to help you prepare their meals-it usually gets them excited and they feel in control. Let them choose what to add as well.
*If your child refuses to eat, don't shame them. Respect them and let them know you will be here when they are hungry to offer them something.
*Eat with them, some children don't like to eat on their own. So make it a lunch date at home.
*Offer a treat.
*Don't force them to eat vegetables-persuade them, and stop if they continue to refuse.
*Dish out small portions and wait for them to ask for more. A lot of food can be very intimidating for some children-especially my oldest. They also have small tummy's.
*Invest in food that can keep them full for longer, for example; cheese (if they are not allergic), veggies and fruit, nuts, peanut butter, and butter and yogurt.
*I always try to have three things on a plate, which include a fruit and a treat.
*Leave the picky eater alone. Allow them to be
For mama's who are starting solids, sometimes babies will not want to eat from 6 months but later one. Just ensure they are having their milk and their weight is okay. If there is anything to worry about their doctor or the clinic will tell you.
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