MANAGING FOOD REFUSAL

I read this from a library book I borrowed recently. Title of the book is BREAST BOTTLE BOWL by ANNE HILLIS & PENELOPE STONE.

Nobody says that managing food refusal is a breeze, but you can make it easier on yourself by following these tips:

• Ensure your child is hungry before mealtimes. Fresh air, exercise and sleep help stimulate good appetites — make sure your child is getting plenty of each.

• Make mealtimes sociable, happy occasions and keep the atmosphere peaceful. Avoid eating in front of the TV, while the radio is on or while reading, and don’t play games while eating. Make sure your child sits down to eat, as eating on the run can be dangerous.

• Use suitable feeding equipment fork, spoon, plate, cup. Let your child go with you to buy his feeding equipment. Provide a bib, especially for the messy eater. A highchair or small table and chair are essential.

• Children are creatures of habit and routine. Make sure meals and snacks are at regular times throughout the day.

• Don’t get cross with a child if he doesn’t eat. If anger is associated with meals, he will be even less inclined to eat. And do not prolong mealtime. if your child refuses to eat, quietly remove the food and allow him to leave the table.

• If your child has refused a meal, avoid offering substitute foods. Wait until the next scheduled meal or snack.

• Never insist that a child finishes everything on his plate. Remember, children know when they have had enough.

• Let children select the foods they wantfrom what is offered. This makes them feel grown-up.

• Don’t worry about mess and spills. Cover the floor under the highchair and table with an old sheet or plastic table cloth so that mess is easily cleaned up.

• Encourage meals with the family where possible and practical - this is a special treat for most toddlers.

• Let your child help with food preparation. He can watch as you prepare vegetables, let him add herbs and spicesto sauce and taste them for flavour. Most children from age 3 can help with measuring, pouring, stirring, kneading, decorating and arranging food on a plate. Children love to prepare sandwiches, make simple pizzas and peel their own bananas. Talk about the food as you prepare it.

• Encourage your child to try new foods. This is made easier by letting him help preparethem when possible. New food are best introduced when a child is hungry. Show your pleasure when he eats and likes a new food.

• Don’t influence your child into your own likes and dislikes. Set an exampleby eating the same food without commenting that you may not like it.

• Don’t bribe with special foods or dessert. This only makes these foodsmore ‘special’ than other foods.

• Stick to one-course meals and only offer desserts on special occasions.If the child refuses the food offered, accept that the meal is over.