Picky eating is one of the most common challenges parents face with young children. A mischievous child who is medically healthy can still pose a major challenge for parents, especially when the child is highly selective about food and refuses most nutritious meals.
This behavior is common at certain ages, clinical nutrition specialist Dr. Nour Qahwaji told Enab Baladi. It is often linked to the child’s desire for independence or sensitivity to taste or texture, and does not necessarily indicate a health problem.
Avoiding Threats and Rewards
Qahwaji said mishandling this situation can make it more complicated, while the right approach can gradually improve the child’s appetite and relationship with food.
It is important first to understand that forcing a child to eat, or pressuring them, can have the opposite effect, according to Qahwaji. When mealtime turns into a battle, the child begins to associate food with stress and rejection.
For this reason, parents should avoid excessive insistence, threats, or even rewarding the child with sweets for eating, because such methods reinforce picky eating instead of correcting it.
An Effective Way to Change Eating Behavior
According to the clinical nutrition specialist, the right method begins with creating a comfortable and calm environment during meals.
The family should gather around one table, where the child learns through observation and imitation. Food should also be served in an attractive and varied way, without forcing the child to eat it.
Qahwaji recommends offering several healthy options in the same meal and giving the child the freedom to choose what they want, even if the amount is small at first.
Another effective strategy, according to the specialist, is involving the child in preparing food. When children help choose ingredients or arrange the plate, they become curious and more willing to taste.
Food can also be presented in a fun way, such as cutting vegetables and fruit into appealing shapes or arranging them to resemble faces or characters.
Smart Alternatives
As for foods that may help stimulate a child’s appetite, parents can start with light, easy-to-accept options, such as baked potatoes, small chicken pieces, rice with grated vegetables, or eggs prepared in different ways.
The specialist also noted that fresh fruits such as bananas and apples are often accepted and can be served with peanut butter or yogurt to add nutritional value.
A smoothie can also be prepared with milk and fruit, and perhaps a little oats or dates, making it nutritious and easy to drink.
It is also important to maintain a regular meal routine, the specialist said, while reducing unhealthy snacks between main meals, because too many snacks reduce the child’s sense of hunger.
The Power of Repetition
Qahwaji also advised patience, saying that changing eating habits requires time and repetition.
The clinical nutrition specialist concluded her remarks to Enab Baladi by stressing that picky eating is not a permanent problem, but a stage that can be overcome through a calm and balanced parenting approach.
if you think the article contain wrong information or you have additional details
