What to do if the child does not want to eat

Often parents start to panic when their child refuses to eat. This is especially a problem for grandmothers who want to feed the granddaughter or granddaughter in every possible way to the dump. Adults worry about the younger generation, so they stuff the baby with food. However, the child’s refusal to eat is due not to health problems, but to psychological education that comes from parents.

Why does the child refuse food

There are many reasons for this behavior, we will consider them in order.

1. Protests. This aspect is paramount. A child can refuse a meal, corny demanding attention from parents. If mom and dad previously went on about the occasion of their son / daughter, then the child will try to take advantage of the refusal of food again. Thus, the child wants to convey that they say "I will not eat, they will notice me." Such behavior is characteristic of children who constantly see the frustrations of parents, quarrels, the absence of banal love.
2. The requirement to buy a toy. Some categories of children cannot get what they want in accessible ways: tears, tantrums, insults. Parents do not follow the lead and do not buy, for example, a radio-controlled toy. Then the baby has no choice but to blackmail the adults with a hunger strike. It is important to understand that such behavior cannot be indulged. It is better to try to explain to the child that now there is no money, etc.
3. No need for food. Children who walk a lot and lead a fairly active lifestyle are happy to wait for the next meal and mom's soup. But there are children who have never experienced a need for food, because they are constantly fed with it. As a rule, such a child is passive, does not move much, is always full and selective in eating.
4. Discomfort. If a child is uncomfortable at a common table, he can simply refuse to eat or refer to the fact that he is not hungry. Perhaps the parents force the child to use a fork or knife, constantly scold and criticize for the wrong (in their opinion) actions. The kid grows up in a complex, afraid of something not to please his parents. It’s easier for him to take his plate to the room and eat there. But often such actions are prohibited. The younger generation may also feel discomfort due to the fact that parents begin to quarrel and sort things out directly during the meal.
5. Tasty food. This case is quite extensive, because children's food is different from adult. Parents mistakenly call their child moody, not realizing that he really can be tasteless. Also, the baby will refuse food, which has simply become boring. If you serve the same thing every day, soon expect a hunger strike.
6. An imposed cult of food. If mom and dad grew up at a time when food was not in such a great variety, they can be automatically “turned” on the cult of eating. That is, a woman constantly prepares food for a family that clearly exceeds the available number of people. As a result, when the child refuses to eat, the mother perceives such behavior as a catastrophe. Although in fact, eating is carried out so often that the child does not even have time to get hungry.
7. The lack of nearby gadgets. The modern world of technology and gadgets leaves its mark not only on adults, but also on children. If a child is brought up in such a way that he can eat with a phone, sleep with a phone, walk with a phone, then in the absence of a gadget he will simply get out of the usual rut. There are frequent cases when for some misconduct parents take their child’s phone or forbid them to watch TV, play video games and more.The kid, in turn, loses his appetite, because he is not used to eating without watching cartoons.

What to do if the child does not want to eat

1. No matter how hard it sounds, you should not betray special significance to how much the child ate. No need to force the baby to eat. It is enough to provide a snack. Give your child freedom of action. At the same time, it should not be encouraged with sweets.
2. You can try not to feed the baby. Just accept that he really doesn’t want to eat. Wait for the moment when the baby himself asks for food. You can make the refrigerator seemingly empty and have nothing to cook at all. You can make a simple dish of potatoes or pasta. The child must learn to appreciate the little things.
3. If the baby completely refuses products, without fail begin to monitor its weight. Visit a pediatrician if necessary. The specialist will be able to give clear instructions on what to do. If possible, in small portions of food you need to invest the maximum amount of necessary nutrients. Otherwise, the child will encounter vitamin deficiency.
4. Do not be afraid that the child refuses food. No need to beg him to eat. In no case do not scold or threaten. It is better to communicate with the baby in a normal tone and find out what is the reason for the lack of appetite. It is important to monitor your behavior. Do not scold the child if he champs. Say calmly that this is ugly. Praise when he succeeds.
5. In some cases, the child refuses to eat if the meal is with the family. Try to feed the baby separately, where no one will bother you and will not distract you. Do not be aggressive in any way; put on an apron on the child. Thus, he will not be able to accidentally stain things.
6. Do not distract the child with various actions. It is strictly forbidden to start a meal at the TV. This aspect also concerns parents. Such actions are best replaced by family communication. You can calmly discuss the moments experienced during the day. It will also not be amiss to discuss topical news in the world.
7. Experts recommend from an early age to accustom the child to various products. In this case, it is worth considering possible allergies and individual intolerance. You should not carry around everywhere the food that the baby prefers. Give your child the opportunity to choose foods in the refrigerator on their own.
8. If the child does not like to eat vegetables in their original form, you can cook porridge or soup puree. Show your imagination and create various patterns and shapes from products. Children love such trifles and will gladly taste them. Often, kids look at adults at a party, a child may want to try a new dish.
9. Not always children prefer to change their habits. Therefore, introducing new foods into your daily diet can be a serious problem. In most cases, the child does not like the new composition. Try to present products in different ways. Fresh vegetables can be served as a salad, seasoned with sour cream or butter.

If the child refuses to eat, do not get hung up on this. In no case do not get angry, do not force the baby against his will. Try to find out what is the reason. Perhaps the child will soon ask for food on his own. Be patient. Give the products in a different way. Consult a specialist if necessary.

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