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Many children go through phases of being fussy about
food and sometimes even refusing to eat. This is
particularly common up to the age of 5 years and is a normal part of
growing up. Although it is very
worrying, children will not harm themselves if they don’t eat for a
short while. They may need less to eat than you think. However if the
problem does not improve or your child is losing weight contact your GP
or Health Visitor for further advice.
Try to eat as a family as often as you can. Encourage your child to sit
at a table (if possible) or in
a high chair and not run around or play at meal times.
2. Try to eat in a quiet, relaxed environment. Turn the TV off –
children are easily
distracted.
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3. Make meal times fun by using brightly coloured and attractive plates
and cups.
Encourage your child to feed themselves and do not worry if they make a
mess. Finger foods are
easier for your child.
5. Show your child you are pleased when they eat. Reward them with your
attention e.g. smiling,
talking and praise.
6. Give small portions (or a portion you know your child can usually
manage) and offer more if the
meal is completed.
7. Try not to show anxiety, annoyance or get upset if food is refused.
Take the plate away without
comment and do not offer something different.
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8. Try not to rush meals, as your child may be slow to eat. Yet, try not
to let meals drag on for too
long, half an hour is about right.
9. Young children often need a small snack mid-morning and
mid-afternoon, but try not to allow them
to pick foods throughout the day. Suitable snacks include fruit, fromage
frais, cubes of cheese,
toast fingers, vegetable sticks. Try not to let them fill up on
chocolates, sweets, crisps, biscuits
and drinks before meals as this will spoil their appetite.
10. Encourage children to take their drinks from a beaker or feeder cup.
Don’t offer a bottle for
drinks during the daytime.
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11. Never threaten or force your child to eat and do not use food as a
bribe or reward as this may
make the situation worse.
12. If your child repeatedly turns their head away during feeding or
pushes food away, screams and
spits out food or holds food in their mouth this indicates they have had
enough. Stop feeding
your child. |