What are the reasons for the problem of not eating? There are many basic reasons for this behavior. The first reason is usually that the child wants to feel more important by drawing attention to himself. Another reason is that appetite varies from child to child. Some children, just like some adults, have less appetite. Since the child has a low appetite, mothers force him to eat and then he refuses. Thereupon, the parents go further and resort to coercion, deception, punishment and threats, causing mealtimes to turn into a nightmare for the child. Thus, the negative associations related to food and mealtimes actually cause the child to react strongly to eating over time.
The best method to apply to a child who has difficulty eating is not to show interest in the child when he does not eat. Food should be given to the child with an "eat it or not" attitude and the mother should never be interested in what he eats. He should not look at the plate with the slightest worried expression, should not make any observations, and should give the impression that no one cares whether he eats or not. He/she should not be told that he/she is cranky when he/she does not eat, and should not be looked at with anger.
If he/she leaves the food, this should be ignored. However, if he/she does not eat, nothing should be given between meals. If he/she wants, he/she can leave the food on his/her plate as it is. However, nothing else will be given to him/her. The child quickly understands this situation. The following mealtimes should be continued with the same attitude. If he/she wants, he/she can leave the food. No one will be interested. It should be kept in mind that the child will not suffer any harm from hunger.
When there is difficulty in eating, the most appropriate behavior of the mother should be; "You do not have to eat it all, if you are not hungry now, you can eat it at the next meal", so the child will stop resisting. If the problem persists, the mother can ask the child, "How long will this continue?" No child can go without eating for a long time. It is extremely important not to show interest in the child's refusal of food. In the meantime, any kind of reward for eating should be avoided and all the suggestions mentioned above should be followed.
On the other hand, none of the children should be allowed to be obsessed with food or overly fond of it. The following small suggestions before the meal can help to make mealtimes more enjoyable.
- Make sure that your child does not start eating when they are very tired or sleepy.
- Washed hands and face and combed hair before the meal can make them feel more energetic and enjoyable.
- If the dinner plate or service is made of patterned and shiny materials, the child's interest can increase.
- Getting help from your child while preparing the dinner table will also help your child's self-confidence.
- Serving as much food as they can eat on their own plate can help them finish their meal.
