To help a child normalize appetite, you need to figure out whether the reasons for unwillingness to eat lie in the medical field or in the pedagogical one. Most often, the second happens and the mother should only change her attitude towards the regime and methods of feeding, as the problem will be solved by itself.
Almost every second child of preschool age suffers from poor appetite. More precisely, it is not he who suffers from this, but the parents. And most often the grandmother, who is ready in every possible way to shove an extra spoon into the baby's mouth. Experts are sure that this spoon is really superfluous, because children intuitively feel how much and what they want.
Is there any reason for concern
Be that as it may, but it is also impossible to let the child's categorical reluctance to eat to take its course. At the very least, it is necessary to establish the reason for the “declared hunger strike”. Doctors say that most often children with a fragile, thin-boned body do not eat well. They are characterized by a pale, transparent skin color. These children are quite mobile, but they show absolute indifference to food. In this case, you should not torture yourself or the child, and allow him to "peck" more often exactly as much as the body will accept. For their own peace of mind and health of the child, it is better to additionally give him children's vitamin complexes.
Mum’s concern is justified if the child’s fasting is caused by an eating disorder. The presence of such is evidenced by systematic vomiting, which has a psychogenic nature. As a reaction to force-feeding, it can become involuntary over time. This is a complex problem that can be solved by a child psychologist or psychiatrist.
Much less often, the cause lies in neurobiological disorders of the brain. As a result of an imbalance of certain substances in which control over the digestive activity of the body is lost. The child does not feel intense hunger or appetite. In all other cases, the baby's poor appetite requires a pedagogical approach to solving the problem, and the mother can easily cope with this herself.
Simple Tips to Solve a Complex Problem
The main thing is to accept the little person as a person with his own taste preferences and not impose on him the diet and tastes at your discretion. Sometimes parents shift meal times due to leaving for work or inappropriate household chores. It seems insignificant to them that the child is asked to eat an hour earlier or later. But he does not know how to do this without being hungry, indulging the whims of adults. And, on the contrary, if you suddenly wanted to eat bread without soup outside the established regime, then you should show flexibility and give in to the baby.
Sometimes the reason for the loss of appetite in a child is even more commonplace. There is always some kind of food on the table and often it is sweets: sweets, cookies. Perhaps a sausage or cheese sandwich is healthier, but if given 1-2 times a day between three main meals. The habit of constant uncontrolled snacking leads to the fact that the child cannot be fed a normal hot meal.
It's good if a family feast with pleasant communication becomes a tradition, where everyone has their own place and lunch at about the same time. Children do not know how to quickly rebuild, so psychologists recommend that parents notify the child in advance about the upcoming meal, 20-30 minutes in advance. This will allow you to tune in to your meal. For some children, drinking water a few minutes before meals helps to induce appetite.
If the child's age allows, then he can be involved in cooking dinner. This will certainly make you want to taste your own cooked dish. When a child does not eat at the table, and even is capricious, it rather indicates a lack of parental attention. Psychologists advise to devote more of it during the day and not at lunch. If the baby knows that after eating his mother will read him a book or play an interesting game with him, then he is unlikely to want to waste time at the table.
Children are very susceptible, and even a minor quarrel between adults during lunch can ruin their appetite. A family meal should be held in a relaxed, relaxed atmosphere. Parents should remember that this is not a place to sort things out and discuss work issues.
