3 Tips if your child is refusing to eat
Do you know that if your child is refusing to eat, then it could be a part of their development? Your child could be one of those who goes through a phase called neophobia, which can be understood as a phase when most children simply refuse to eat or are not willing to try out new food. The phase can last from six months to 24 months and can peak around 18 months. However, a prolonged refusal phase can be alarming for parents, and they might need to take extra measures to prevent an extreme type of food refusal habit.
What to do when your child is refusing to eat?
Let your children feel the freedom, let them throw tantrums, and you don’t have to worry every time your child is not ready to listen to you. Just remember it is just a phase, and ultimately, you are their school at home who not only nourishes them but also helps them get over their worst fears and habits.
There are some simple tips that could be beneficial for parents who are struggling with their kids’ eating refusal phase.
1. Let Them Play Messy
Let your child explore their plate, let them touch and play with the food. It is sometimes frustrating for parents to cope up with a mess at the dining table, but it could help your child learn more about new foods. Remember, touching and exploring could be the first step towards trying out the food that they otherwise would refuse to eat. Making a mess can help them get used to new food and new textures.
2. Give Them Food In Portions
Your child doesn’t need to finish their whole meal at one time. It could be intimidating for them to eat at once, so let them have a break and serve them food in small portions at different times throughout the day. You can make a timetable where you decide what you should serve them at what time. Mid-day meals could be beneficial to give your children the right number of nutritional values.
3. Appreciate The Child
Appreciation is essential; it could be a tool that can help overcome a lot of fears, including fear of eating. Serve your children with different meals and appreciate them even if they eat a small portion of what they have been served. Simple phrases like “Bravo,” “Good Job,” “Well Done” can make a big difference. It might give them a sense of victory and ultimately encourage them to try out more foods.
Updated 30/2/2023
By Philip Fransson
Don´t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about POOW and how you can get started with the app! // Team POOW
3 Tips if your child is refusing to eat
Do you know that if your child is refusing to eat, then it could be a part of their development? Your child could be one of those who goes through a phase called neophobia, which can be understood as a phase when most children simply refuse to eat or are not willing to try out new food. The phase can last from six months to 24 months and can peak around 18 months. However, a prolonged refusal phase can be alarming for parents, and they might need to take extra measures to prevent an extreme type of food refusal habit.
What to do when your child is refusing to eat?
Let your children feel the freedom, let them throw tantrums, and you don’t have to worry every time your child is not ready to listen to you. Just remember it is just a phase, and ultimately, you are their school at home who not only nourishes them but also helps them get over their worst fears and habits.
There are some simple tips that could be beneficial for parents who are struggling with their kids’ eating refusal phase.
1. Let Them Play Messy
Let your child explore their plate, let them touch and play with the food. It is sometimes frustrating for parents to cope up with a mess at the dining table, but it could help your child learn more about new foods. Remember, touching and exploring could be the first step towards trying out the food that they otherwise would refuse to eat. Making a mess can help them get used to new food and new textures.
2. Give Them Food In Portions
Your child doesn’t need to finish their whole meal at one time. It could be intimidating for them to eat at once, so let them have a break and serve them food in small portions at different times throughout the day. You can make a timetable where you decide what you should serve them at what time. Mid-day meals could be beneficial to give your children the right number of nutritional values.
3. Appreciate The Child
Appreciation is essential; it could be a tool that can help overcome a lot of fears, including fear of eating. Serve your children with different meals and appreciate them even if they eat a small portion of what they have been served. Simple phrases like “Bravo,” “Good Job,” “Well Done” can make a big difference. It might give them a sense of victory and ultimately encourage them to try out more foods.
Updated 30/2/2023
By Philip Fransson
Don´t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about POOW and how you can get started with the app! // Team POOW
