Does your little one dislike food? Let's talk about this food problem (Picky Eating)!

A big problem that parents of young children often face is their children's food aversion. 'Oh, doctor, my son won't eat anything', 'My daughter only eats two or three types of food' – we often hear things like this. So is this really a big problem? Let's talk about this in a little more detail, so that you can make these mealtimes a little easier.

What is 'Picky Eating'?

Simply put, 'Picky Eating' refers to the behavior of young children who refuse certain foods, are very reluctant to eat them, or only eat very small amounts of them. Some mothers say, "My child is very picky (*editor note: this word was provided as an example of what to avoid, and is not being used here. The intent is to describe stubbornness*)" when it comes to food. This is actually very common. Most often, this condition can be seen between the ages of one and a half, two, and five to six years. The most important thing is that this is normal for very young children. So there is no need to panic right away. However, if this continues, there may be some problems with the child's nutrition.

Why are children creating such a food crisis?

Now let's look at why our little ones have these little 'problems' with food. There could be several reasons.

1. 'I'm big now!' - An attempt to become independent

As the year progresses, little ones start to like to do things on their own. They start saying things like, 'I want to eat,' 'I don't want that, I want this.' This is a normal stage of their development . Eating is also one area where they can show their control. Just like they want the freedom to choose the clothes they wear, the toys they play with, and what they eat.

2. Decreased appetite

You won't see the same rapid growth as you did in the first year from the second year. So, along with that , your appetite will also decrease a bit . Mothers get worried when they don't eat as much as they used to, but this is usually normal. If the child is active and playing, there's no big problem.

3. A slight fear of new foods (Neophobia)

This is also very natural. It's not just young children, we too are sometimes a little hesitant to try new foods. So it's no wonder that little ones reject foods that have new tastes, colors, and smells. Some studies suggest that it takes 10-15 times for a child to get used to a new food. So don't give up just because they haven't tried it once.

4. How the appearance, smell, and texture of food affect

For some children, the color, smell, and texture of food are very important. For example, some children do not like to eat liquid foods like porridge, while others cannot eat food with pieces. Sometimes a child who does not eat the same vegetable when given boiled may eat it when it is slightly fried and prepared differently. There are some children who think that food should not touch each other. The rice, vegetables, and meat should be separate on the plate. If they are mixed, they will not eat it.

5. The consequences of force-feeding

When you force feed your child by saying, 'I have to eat!' and when the table becomes a battlefield, the child develops an even more unpleasant feeling about food. This creates a negative association with food in the child's mind. Later, when they see food, they may feel afraid and averse to it.

6. Illnesses

Although rare, sometimes a loss of appetite can be caused by an underlying medical condition . For example, severe constipation, iron-deficiency anemia, food allergies, or swallowing difficulties. However, these are things that should be confirmed with medical advice. If your child seems sick all the time, or has other symptoms along with a loss of appetite, it's a good idea to see a doctor.

What are the little mistakes we make?

Okay, now let's look at the little mistakes we sometimes make without realizing it, which can further exacerbate this food crisis.

• Trying to force-feed: Threats and coercion such as 'If you don't eat this, you won't be allowed to play' or 'If you don't eat, mom will be angry' will only make the child refuse to eat more. Mealtime should not be a place of punishment.
• 'I'll give you a chocolate if you eat this': Offering sweets as a bribe to eat food, not as a dessert, will get the child used to sweet things rather than main dishes. Then the child won't understand the value of nutritious foods.
• Feeding with the TV on and the phone off: When you feed with this distraction, your child doesn't recognize the taste, smell, or texture of the food. They don't even know if they're hungry or full. This causes them to lose their connection with food.
• Giving other things during the main meal: Giving things like milk, fruit juice, and biscuits just before the main meal can make the child feel full and reduce their appetite. The amount of milk given per day should also be limited, especially for children who are one year old.
• Our own worry: When we worry ourselves, saying, 'Oh, my child won't eat, he'll lose weight,' and show it to the child, the child also puts unnecessary pressure on himself about eating. When he sees his mother's face getting worse, the child may refuse to eat anymore.

So how do you cope with this food crisis? Here are some tips!

Okay, so how do we deal with this situation successfully? Don't worry, there are solutions to this too.

1. Establish a mealtime routine

Get into the habit of feeding your child two main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and snacks at about the same time every day. This will help your child's body get used to being hungry at those times. It's also a good idea to get them used to eating while sitting at the table.

2. No Pressure, Be Patient

This is the most important thing . If your child refuses to eat, don't force it. Don't get angry. Calmly put the food aside. Remember, a child doesn't like to be hungry . They eat when they are hungry. Give your child time to get used to a new food. Don't just say that you didn't eat it once. Try offering the same food again every few days, perhaps in a different way.

"Let your child decide whether he or she is hungry or not. We only want to provide nutritious food."

3. Offer Variety, Repeat Exposure

Instead of offering the same type of food, introduce nutritious foods that have different colors, different flavors, and different shapes. For a child to accept a new food, it may be necessary to present it to the child at least 10-15 times . Sometimes a child will be willing to try a new food just by tasting it. That is also a good start! Presenting food beautifully also helps to create interest.

4. Make Mealtimes Pleasant

Mealtime should be a time when the whole family gets together and has a happy conversation. Don't just talk about food, but also talk about the day's events and toys. Avoid arguments and scolding at the dinner table. Keep things like the TV and phone away during mealtime.

5. Involve Kids in Food Prep

Help wash the vegetables, let them mix a salad, and involve your child in small tasks like this. They may be more interested in eating the food they have prepared. Say things like, "Look, son/daughter, how beautiful and delicious the food you have prepared is."

6. Toddler-Sized Portions

When you give your child a large plate of food, it can feel like a burden that he can't bear. So, divide the food into small portions . He will ask for more if he wants it. Even when introducing a new food, give him about a teaspoon at first.

7. Let's be a good role model (Be a Role Model)

When we see ourselves happily eating nutritious, varied foods, our children are more likely to imitate us. If you don't like eating vegetables, how can your child like them? Eating together as a family helps a lot with this.

8. Be careful about snacks.

If you give a snack between meals, it should also be nutritious. (For example, a piece of fruit, a yogurt, small pieces of vegetables). Avoid giving things like sugary drinks, chocolate, and biscuits too often. Also, stop giving snacks an hour or two before the main meal. Otherwise, you will not be hungry for the main meal.

9. 'One Meal for the Family' Policy

Instead of preparing a separate meal for your child, try to feed your child the same food you prepare for the rest of the family (really, just reduce the heat and mash it up). However, make sure that there is at least one food that your child likes at that meal. Then you don't have to worry that your child hasn't eaten anything. Don't be afraid to say (calmly) "If you don't eat this today, there won't be anything else until the next meal."

When should we seek medical advice?

Most of the time, these eating disorders will resolve with time and patience. However, there are some cases where we definitely need to seek medical advice.

Important: If your child has one or more of the following symptoms, it is best to consult a pediatrician.

• If the child is losing weight or is not gaining weight appropriately for their age (according to the ``Growth Chart'' used by doctors).
• If the child is constantly lethargic , pale, or often sick (these may be signs of some nutritional deficiencies, e.g., `(Iron-deficiency Anemia)`).
• If you always feel nauseous, choked, or feel like vomiting when eating certain foods.
• If you are limited to eating only one or two types of food (e.g., only eating bread, or only eating rice) and are not trying anything new.
• If mealtime has become something that causes unbearable pressure and stress for the entire family,
• If the child seems to have difficulty swallowing food (Dysphagia) or if he keeps food in his mouth and spits it out.
• If you experience allergic reactions such as skin rashes and difficulty breathing after eating certain foods.
• If the child completely refuses a certain food group (e.g., doesn't eat any vegetables, doesn't eat any fruit).

Finally, a few things to remember

So, this eating crisis in little ones is something that can be very stressful for parents. But remember, you are not alone! Many parents go through this experience.

• Patience is the key. Don't expect overnight results. This is a process that takes some time.
• Don't make mealtime a fight. Feed calmly and happily. Your child will sense your calmness.
• Prioritize variety and repetition . It takes time for a child to get used to something new.
• If you have any concerns about your child's growth or eating habits, never hesitate to seek medical advice .
• Be more concerned with the quality of the food your child eats than the quantity. Just a little bit of something nutritious is enough.
• Allow your child to recognize when they are hungry and full.

Trust that the day will come when your little one will be happy and healthy eating. You can provide the patience, love, and proper guidance needed for that!

` Picky Eating, Eating Disorders, Toddlers, Child Nutrition, Eating Problems, Mealtime Stress, Parenting Advice, Sinhala