Do You Feel Your Child Is a Fussy Eater?

I think most moms will give a resounding response, "Yes, my child does not eat this, does not like that, loves only junk food, does not eat ghar ka khaana"; and the list of complaints goes on, right.

Kids don't know what they like or dislike, but have an understanding on the basis familiar versus unfamiliar, which again is based on what you eat as a family, together. This is why early exposure to healthy food and a balanced diet matters so much.

Do not confuse your requirements with his. He is only probably a young toddler and his needs are different from an adults. What your child needs most at this stage is age-appropriate nutrition food that supports growth nutrition rather than adult portions or preferences.

The child was small at birth, so is likely to remain small. What is important is to note that he is active. Growth should always be looked at in the context of overall food and nutrition, not just body size.

Very often children fuss over food.

This may be due to the fact that they are just not in the mood for that particular food or they are tired or they are just too involved in play.

• Don't "overindulge" your child's preferences especially if it's not meeting upto the requirements of that meal time. So, most common mistake we do is replacing a main meal with milk. We have a concept ingrained in our heads that milk is a whole food and can fulfil the needs of the child of lunch or dinner. Even breast milk is not sufficient to replace a main meal. A nutritionally balanced diet needs a mix of grains, vegetables, fats, and protein sources.
  

• It is possible that the child is made to try and finish up a meal in a hurry in the morning as he has to reach school. Try to keep more time before school so the child can visit the rest room at ease and eat at ease. If he does not want a full breakfast early in the morning then try to start the day with a fruit and egg or a smoothie or something like a porridge using poha or lapsi or rawa and some almond powder added — simple examples of nutritious and healthy food.
  

• If your child is plain exhausted after school and not able to finish his meal. Let your child have as much. Then serve the remaining meal again afterwards when he is back. Here the child knows what to expect. He knows he has to finish his proper meal and it will not be replaced by milk or junk food.
  

• Serve him food when he is hungry. If he fills up his tummy with the junk, chances are he will not eat well at dinner time especially the home made healthy food after the treat of the junk snack. So, plan your childs snack and dinner times. Avoid snacking just before dinner time — one of the most practical healthy diet tips.
  

• If the child is not eating enough at mealtimes, you may have to feed more often, say every 2 to 3 hours. Smaller, frequent meals help maintain steady energy and support growth nutrition.
  

• Put the food out that you want your child to eat, so don't store junk at home. This simple environment change helps children naturally choose healthy food and unhealthy foods appropriately.
  

• Define where food is to be eaten. Eating while playing especially junk is not good. The child is totally involved in play and is definitely going to overindulge which is not good. Give him a fruit and milk or fruit and egg 30 minutes before he goes to play so he has the energy and does not reach out for unwanted foods.
  

• Don't over emphasise on fiber. Too much fiber can backfire and cause bloating or indigestion or constipation leading to reduced intake of food. Balance is key in a balanced diet.
  

• Set toilet timings as well. This will help keep the gut clear and help improve immunity — an often overlooked part of food and nutrition.
  

• You can de-worm the child.
  

• Getting their haemoglobin checked as anaemia could cause recurrent infections, colds and poor appetite. Iron-rich foods are essential for nutrition and appetite regulation.
  

• Children have a natural instinct to satisfy their hunger by eating as well as to regulate how much and what they eat. Give them the benefit of knowing their hunger and following their instinct. By giving in to their indulgences like junk food can actually curb that instinct.
  

• Instead of forcing foods or being too lenient try to offer the choice of cooperating or receiving consequence. Eg. If he won't eat the lunch prepared then he will be hungry by the next meal or that he loses the treat snack he loves on the weekend.
  

It takes time to train your child to eat in the healthy way, so be patient. Building habits around healthy nutritious food recipes and regular meal routines takes consistency.

There is no fixed rule or method to feed your child. You need to mix kindness with firmness and patience. Following simple tips for a good diet consistently works better than strict rules.

Do let me know what are your little one's specifically fussing about in terms of food?