A common concern among parents is when children don’t want to eat. In general, there is nothing to worry about because it tends to be an outdated stage. But if the pediatrician indicates it, it may be necessary to help him gain weight.
From a young age, the growth rate is very fast, so it is normal for children to eat large amounts of food.
But between the ages of 2 and 5, childhood loss of appetite appears. This can even extend to 6 or 7 years. When regular meal time comes, the child refuses food and refuses to eat at the table. Parents coerce their children, offer rewards or punishments. Then mealtime turns into a battle.
learn to eat
The beginning of complementary feeding is an awakening of flavors for the child’s palate. From feeding with milk only, the introduction of food begins and the baby is eager to try to eat. Eat with pleasure. 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 satiated with complementary feeding. Also, his interest in the world around him puts food on the back burner.
As they get older, they seem to prefer a few foods in small quantities. Parents start to worry. Food becomes a frequent consultation with the pediatrician or on Internet forums, alarmed because “their children do not want to eat.”
Parents worried about feeding their baby we force eat more food than they need. Other parents will insist that children learn to eat everything regardless of their preferences. The child refuses to eat, so his weight may suffer.
the refusal to eat
There may also be organic reasons behind the decrease in appetite. A chronic illness, flu-like illness, or acute infection will cause your child to refuse food. It is usually a short time. And once you pass, your appetite is restored.
The problem starts when the child is hungry and tries to satisfy it only with foods he likes. Of course, parents are key in resolving this circumstance.
If parental concern leads them to create a tense environment during mealtimes, the child’s refusal is encouraged. If, on the other hand, when the child wants to eat only what he likes and gives in to the whim, a negative precedent is established.
The child will refuse to eat normal food because he knows that when he is hungry, someone is there to give him what he wants. If this conflict continues, the child’s healthy eating may suffer. Before a medical indication can arise that you need to help him gain weight.
Children who do not want to eat: how to help them gain weight
Children learn to eat the quantities they need to be satisfied. If they are healthy, happy children growing at the right pace, we shouldn’t worry too much about their percentile on growth charts.
Parents should only deal with create a pleasant environment during meals and ensure healthy eating. However, if you lose a lot of weight, there may be a medical indication that it should help you gain weight.
Some recommendations for children who don’t want to eat
Here are some basic recommendations to strengthen their nutrition and get children to eat:
- Introducing new foods in a progressive and attractive way. If she repeatedly refuses to eat one food, try offering another with similar nutrients.
- Take an example. However much a child rejects the diversity of food, if he sees how his parents eat, sooner or later, he will be encouraged to try what they offer. Hence the importance of the child eating at the table with the whole family and without personalized menus.
- Take advantage of their preferences to introduce new foods. Creativity knows no bounds when it comes to cooking and giving kids options for learning to eat. The presentation of the food matters, so be creative.
- If your child systematically refuses to try new foods, be patient and persevering. She avoids getting angry and keeps insisting. If the child’s refusal is not followed by negative consequences such as nausea or vomiting, he will gradually accept the new food.
- After an infection it is normal for the child to lose weight, but it will tend to increase rapidly. Take advantage of the restored appetite to help you gain weight.
In front of children who don’t want to eat: it’s not about gaining weight
Remember that it’s not just about gaining weight. Excessive consumption of sugary, chemically processed and high-fat foods trans They are not the healthy formula for weight gain. Childhood obesity is a serious problem that is best avoided.
Mealtimes should be a pleasant moment for the whole family.. This positive relationship is what influences having a better appetite. It works for everyone, no matter how old we are.
When the child associates eating with something pleasant, the problems of loss of appetite will certainly be overcome. If your child is still not eating well, your pediatrician may consider using vitamins or nutritional supplements to help him gain weight.
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