How to Deal with Your Child’s Eating Problems?
Many children experience eating problems; however, with a few variations in
approach, a little innovation, and some insight, you may persuade your child to
eat healthfully and to develop good eating habits.
When Babies Refuse to Wean
A mother can begin to wean her baby when he is between the ages of one
and one-and-a-half. Some children are very easy to wean, while others do not
want to stop nursing. Each baby is different. If your baby refuses to be
weaned, try to be patient and to rely upon your common sense. You may need
to be firm when offering solid foods instead of breast milk. Remember,
however, that weaning must be done gradually, until eventually your child is
breast feeding just once a day, at bedtime. If you can reduce the number of
nursing periods to just one a day, it will make it easier for you to wean the
baby entirely. Weaning a baby without a gradual reduction in the number of
feedings may result in his refusal to eat solid foods. If the baby foods that you
prepare taste delicious and look appetizing, the weaning process will go more
smoothly.
When Children Refuse to Eat by Themselves
When a baby first begins to eat solid foods, his mother will, of course, have to
feed him. Most children quickly become interested in using a spoon and
feeding themselves. Mothers can teach their babies to do this properly without
making too much of a mess. Some children may refuse to feed themselves
because they feel insecure or neglected and want more attention. Try to figure
out why your child is refusing to feed himself, and then correct the problem. In
most cases, children are naturally curious and want to eat by themselves.
Overeating
A common cause of overeating is the overuse of salt or the consumption of too
many dry, baked flour products such as cookies, bread, or crackers. When this
occurs, reduce your child's intake of these items and include more fresh and
lightly cooked dishes.
Under-eating
Under-eating is often caused by a lack of variety in the diet. Many children like
to eat greens. However, it may sometimes be difficult to get them to eat
enough greens or other vegetables. Find out which vegetables your children
like and let them have as much as they want.
Then gradually increase their variety. Sometimes, you may have to disguise
vegetables by cooking them in soups or grain dishes. Put vegetables in sushi
or cut them in interesting shapes with a cookie cutter or a knife. Practices such
as these will arouse your children's interest and make it easier for them to
begin to eat a variety of vegetables.
A child who eats too many snack foods may refuse to eat a well-balanced meal
of grains, vegetables, sea vegetables, beans, and other dishes. You as
parents will want to make sure that your children do not snack to the point of
interfering with their regular diet.