Poor appetite in a child is one of the common problems of parents. But hunger and thirst are the basic instincts of life. And your little one’s refusal to eat may well be justified, and your demand to “eat everything” is completely wrong. Therefore, it is worthwhile to understand this issue and understand for yourself how not to feed the child.
Instructions
Step 1
Feed your baby on a regular basis. In childcare facilities, this rule always applies. There is a strict meal schedule. Stick to it at home too. Don't let your kids carry sweets and pastries between meals just because they want something tasty. You can give a fruit or vegetable, a glass of tea or compote, if the child strongly asks for food, but no more. Then, by the time of lunch or dinner, the baby will be hungry and will eat whatever you give him.
Step 2
Feed your baby the right, healthy food. The later he learns what chips, hot dogs, hamburgers and other fast food delights are, the better. Such food should not be on the family table at all. If you really want to - take your child to a pizzeria or McDonald's once a month, and preferably a year. Prepare all meals yourself and try not to buy convenience foods.
Step 3
Do not force your child to finish eating the entire serving. This is food violence. It can also look like cute persuasions: “for mom, for dad, for a bunny,” etc. Nevertheless, the meaning remains the same - you force the baby to eat through force. Each person, even a small one, has his own food intake rate. Otherwise, he can stretch his stomach and eventually get used to eating more than necessary. And this already threatens obesity.
Step 4
Don't give your child large portions. A one-time amount of food should be about the size of his fist. Therefore, it is simply beyond the power of children to overcome a large bowl of soup and a mountain of the second. Calm down your maternal zeal to feed your child "to the brim" with your delicious lunch. He doesn't need it.
Step 5
Don't rush your child while eating. The process should take place in a leisurely and supportive environment. Nervousness, rapid swallowing of unchewed pieces can even lead to gastritis. Also, do not allow children to watch TV or video programs while they eat. It is bad for digestion.
Step 6
Do not teach your child to eat rewards. It is not worth every time for good behavior or other "feat" to reward the little man with ice cream, chocolate or a delicious bun. So you run the risk of raising a food addict.
Step 7
Listen to your child's nutritional needs. Of course, this does not apply to candy and chocolate. Most children are ready to eat these products all the time, or so it seems to them. But eating chalk, eggshells, bananas in large quantities, love of only one or two types of food should alert you. Seek the advice of your doctor. Most likely, it turns out that the child has an acute lack of any vitamins or minerals.
