To have a difficult child to feed can turn every mealtime into a struggle. If you feel like half the food you put out ends up on the floor, you're not alone. This is a normal phase for young children, and while it can be frustrating, there are ways to help you handle the situation more calmly.
As a child begins to assert his independence, mealtimes become a way for him to show that he has a say. Refusing a meal or eating very little is his way of asserting himself in this new world of discovery. It's normal to be concerned when a child refuses to eat, but as long as he remains active, grows normally, and consumes a little from each food group (fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates, dairy, and protein), everything is fine.
When should you worry?
Of course, there are times when it's good to keep a closer eye on things. If your difficult child to feed seems tired all the time, is losing weight, or shows no interest in games or physical activities, it might be helpful to see a pediatrician or family doctor. In France, family doctors and pediatricians are easily accessible and can help you assess whether something is wrong.
But in most cases, a picky eater will remain healthy despite his or her unpredictable food preferences. Rather than stressing about every meal, focus on his or her diet throughout the week to get a big picture view of his or her intake.
Tips for Managing a Picky Feeder
It’s tempting to despair when mealtimes get chaotic, but there are ways to make things better while still keeping a smile on your face. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate these difficult times:
Adopt a positive attitude
We know it's not easy to stay calm when you're being attacked by pieces of breaded fish. But one of the secrets to succeeding with a difficult child to feed is to maintain a positive atmosphere at the table. Try to make mealtimes fun, even if your child refuses certain foods. The important thing is that he feels that mealtime is an enjoyable time, not a battle.
Offer a variety of dishes
Of course, we all know that it's ideal to offer a variety of foods to a child. However, if your child shows a preference for a handful of foods, focus on those for now. Introduce new foods gradually and one at a time. Just like when introducing solid foods to babies, it may take several times to offer a food before they accept it.
Eating with family
Family meals are a great way to encourage a picky eater to try new foods. Seeing you enjoy your own meals makes them more likely to want to imitate and join in. In France, mealtimes are an important social occasion, so take advantage of this opportunity to share this tradition with your children.
Burn energy before meal
There's nothing like a good dose of physical activity to stimulate the appetite. Go for a walk, play in the park, or let your child burn off some energy. By expending energy, he'll be more likely to sit down at the table and want to eat.
Encouraging autonomy at the table
Let him choose and explore
One of the best ways to make mealtime more enjoyable is to let your difficult child to feed participate. He can help you make the dishes or prepare a simple dish, like spreading butter on toast. By letting him handle the food, he becomes more curious and feels like he's in control, which can encourage him to eat. Yes, it's a bit messy, but that's also part of the learning process.
Remove distractions
While it may seem tempting, trying to feed a child in front of a tablet or TV is a short-term solution that can lead to more serious problems in the long run. For mealtimes, turn off screens and make sure your child's attention is focused on their plate.
Praise him when he eats
Rather than focusing on when your child refuses to eat, focus on when he makes an effort. Praise him when he tries a new food or finishes his plate. And if he doesn't, don't comment and simply take the plate away. The idea is to create a positive environment where food isn't a source of stress.
Mealtime Routine: Essential for a Picky Eater
Establish regular schedules
Kids like routine, and that includes mealtimes. Try to set regular times for meals and snacks so your child knows when they're supposed to eat. This can help them distinguish between playtime and times when they need to focus on their plate.
Small portions for a small stomach
Remember that a toddler's stomach is much smaller than an adult's. Serve small portions so as not to discourage him, even if it means offering several small dishes in place of one large one. Resist the urge to use "food blackmail" techniques such as promising dessert in exchange for an empty plate - this creates bad habits.
Learn to recognize the signs of satiety
A difficult child to feed doesn't always do it out of pure whim. Sometimes he's simply had enough to eat. If he turns his head or closes his mouth, it's a clear sign that he's full. If he starts crying or getting upset, it's probably too late to convince him to eat more. It's important to respect his signals and never force him to finish his plate.
Beverages: a key factor in the diet of young children
Young children still need about 300 to 500 ml of milk per day, whether breast milk or cow's milk. Too much milk can lead to refusal of solid food. It is also recommended to favor water throughout the day and avoid sugary drinks. If you offer juice, make sure it is heavily diluted to avoid excessive sugar consumption.
When to consult a professional?
If despite all your efforts, you are still worried about your baby's diet difficult child to feed, it may be time to consult a doctor or pediatrician. In France, health services are easily accessible, and a professional will be able to give you advice tailored to your child's situation.
Conclusion
To have a difficult child to feed may seem like a real challenge on a daily basis, but with patience, a positive attitude and simple techniques, you can turn mealtimes into enjoyable times for the whole family. Remember that every child is unique and their food preferences will change over time. Continue to offer a variety of foods at their own pace, and above all, remember that this is only a temporary phase.
If you live in France, you can read about:
The Awakening artistic and cultural young children.
Our special Advent calendar:
You can also consult our advent calendar special designed especially for new mothers.
