PICKY EATERS
Here’s what I recently read in another
parenting blog:
‘I complained about our mealtime
struggles to a friend with a 6-year-old daughter, and she said, “I know what
you mean! Last night Ava said she wanted noodles for dinner, so I made noodles,
and she didn’t touch them. Then she said she wanted edamame, so I made that,
and she didn’t touch it. Then she said she wanted a bagel, so I made that,
and still she didn’t eat a bite. Can you believe it?”’
Frankly yes, I believe the story, but it’s the mother who flummoxed me. Playing genie to her child who's enjoying the
game! When I was growing up, we ate what we got. My mother never asked what our
preferences were. The only in-between snacking was fruit from the trees in the
back garden. My children grew up with
the same rules – except that they could choose their favourite food on their
birthday.
I understand that sometimes, young children are like
an air plant – called a Tillandsia. These tropical plants are epiphytes, which
means they don't need potting soil and only minimal care. You don’t even need
to water them! Sometimes, children seem to live on fresh air.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying
that you should neglect your children. It’s just that this total oblivion to
the need of food typically happens between the ages of 4 and 8. Children are
interested in more important things like Superman or Frozen. Their growth-rate
has also slowed down.
Your child’s right-now appetite has
a lot to do with metabolism and genetics, emotions, daily routine, how
physically active s/he is and any medications they may be taking – e.g. Ritalin
is known to suppress their appetite.
One size does not fit all. As
babies graduate to childhood, they become individuals with different needs. They
grow at a different pace and their eating patterns change. They will eat when
they’re hungry. Their likes and dislikes wax and wane – sometimes they will
only eat fish-fingers, and another, they won’t even look at them!
Children who get a cooked meal at school
or after-care may only need a light supper in the evening.
If your child is growing, playful
and energetic, sleeping well and has a good skin colour, don’t stress. Living
on fresh-air is temporary.
Don’t:
Allow this become a meal-time tug-of-war
or battle-of-wills. If your child won’t eat what’s on his plate, don’t let him
leave the table until the family is finished eating.
Don’t prepare something different
for him.
Don’t let him snack afterwards.
Don’t let this be a primary topic
of conversation with your friends.
Do:
Set an example
Get your child to help with the
meal preparation – e.g. peeling and grating the carrots
Eat at the table as a family – with
the TV turned off
Serve small portions of everything
Top-up on missed minerals and
vitamins with a recommended supplement or milk-shake.
When to
worry: Children who are listless
and lethargic, pale and lose weight should be seen by a doctor.
