Mealtime can be a difficult time with kids. It's not unusual for a child to refuse to eat at mealtimes, and it's normal for parents to wonder why this is the case. There are various reasons that children may have trouble eating or refusing food at meals.
1. CHILD FEELS PRESSURE
If the child feels pressure to eat or they senses that the parents are worried and anxious at mealtimes, they will back off and not eat.Young kids sense pressure, even if it's not direct like "eat your carrots!".
If you focus too much on what and how much they are eating during a meal instead of allowing them to be just another eater at the table. Ignore them.
✅ What to do?
Let your child self-feed and eat at their own pace, provide lots of kinds of food at meals in a manageable amount. Try your best not to hover over your child. Make them feel that "eating time" is like "family bonding time", your child won't feel pressured and will be more open to trying new or previously rejected foods.
2. THEY HAVE NO SAY
Kids eat better when they help with shopping, preparing, cooking, and serving their meal. That is why it is why very important to include them in the preparation like getting them to mix together the ingredients of the fruit salad or set the table can help increase their interest in eating.
✅ What to do?
Setting healthy boundaries and upholding your responsibilities are very important. And it's ok to let your child be a part of it. Getting your kids involved can make more processes a bit longer and maybe a bit more frustrating, but the benefits are huge and worth it.
3. BORED & DISTRACTED
When the parents serve the same thing over and over again during mealtime, kids turned to be distracted because they are not interested in food or their same cutlery set.
✅ What to do?
This is probably the fastest and easiest method. Are you still using kiddy spoon and fork? Experiment and see what they like the best. The easiest method is get stainless steel adult lookalike cutlery set to excite them! Check out this kids friendly cutlery set. https://www.babylum.com/products/babylum-16-piece-utensils-set-for-kids
4. TOO MANY SNACKS BEFORE MEAL
Children who "graze" between meals often or snack randomly all day may come to the table feeling too full to eat their meal. An established structure around snack.
✅ What to do?
There should be a designated snack time where one or two foods chosen by parents are offered, rather than eating snacks randomly free-for-all in between meals. Children should be given a chance to build an appetite for meals. Or else, they won't eat much and it will be harder for them to learn self-regulation.
5. NOT FEELING WELL
It is possible that there is a real, physical or medical concern affecting your child's ability to eat. Eating may be uncomfortable that may actually hurt your child if there is a medical concern. This could be food allergies, reflux, or severe constipation. When oral- motor control and function are compromised, such as with a cleft palate or malformations of digestive or oral muscles, eating can really be tough and painful. In some cases, seeking professional help from a qualified speech pathologist, especially if your child can't chew or swallow is a must.
✅ What to do?
It is very important to consult with your child's doctor and request for a qualified Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and Pediatric Registered Dietitian who can help and specialise in your child's feeding issues.