Children’s food whims

One of the main preoccupations parents have concerning their children is food. Sooner or later, they will face the whims and even refusal of food by their young ones. For many parents, it is a distressing problem, because it affects the growth and development of their children and it also carries a significant emotional burden on the parents themselves. Some parents even end up questioning their parenting skills at the failure to feed their child.

You should know that these behaviours are part of a normal phase of development. The critical point is usually around the age of two to three years. During this period, the child seeks to establish himself in his food choices and he also learns quickly that he holds some power over his parents through his biases towards food. It is also during this period that he will eschew certain foods that were previously accepted or will only want to eat the same food every day to the detriment of other available choices. As part of his dealings with what he is presented with as a meal, he may sort and separate the food on his plate, examine it carefully, smell or taste it only grudgingly. Also, to add to the potential problems facing parents, it should be noted that three-quarters of children aged two to ten will not accept an unknown food on their plate.

A child`s physical development is definitively an element not to overlook, and her nutrition is a significant, if the most important factor that influences growth. Nutritional needs vary depending on the stage of development. Thus, a reduction in a child`s rate of growth generally equates to a decrease of appetite and this physiological factor is independent to the child`s desire for food. So if your child has the energy to play and function normally, it therefore means that she has taken in enough nutrients and there is no need to worry.

Participation, atmosphere and presentation are key to address this problem.

Invite your child to participate in meal preparation. Take her to the grocery store, allow her to choose certain items from the shelf, and encourage her to discover the colours, textures and odours of each item. Ask her to perform certain small tasks such as preparing the table and even letting them help in the preparation of the meal by letting them wash fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to invite your child to taste the food during preparation.

It is essential that meals take place in a calm and enjoyable atmosphere. Avoid introducing new items to his plate if the atmosphere is not conducive or if the child is not of the right disposition. Do not punish nor resort to bribery or blackmail if he refuses to eat. Insist that he remains at the table and simply remove the plate after about twenty minutes.

Remember the importance of visual presentation. Present meals comprised of simple yet varied choices in small quantities. Use dishes with the colours or drawings that represent their favourite characters or themes. Adapt the presentation to their tastes and make full use of yours and their imaginations.

When should the parent be concerned?

If from birth your child has difficulty in making transitions to new tastes, textures, temperatures, or different styles of eating, consult a health professional, as these behaviours may indicate an eating disorder that has nothing to do with the changing whims of the child that appear suddenly without any related underlying cause.

Chantal Lajeunesse

Psycho-éducatrice (Intervenante familiale et psychosociale / Zoothérapie C.L.)
Psycho-educator (Intervenor family and psychosocial / Zootherapy CL)

COURRIEL/EMAIL: chantallajeunesse@hotmail.com