Parents know that a child’s health largely depends on what, when and how he eats. And they sound the alarm if the child refuses to eat, suspecting diseases and pathologies. But the causes of nutritional deviations are often not at all in them, but in the strongest psychological discomfort that children sometimes experience through the fault of fathers and mothers.
Many parents are convinced that their child eats without appetite because he does not like the taste of food. However, the reasons may lie much deeper, says the educational psychologist Alexandra Pavlova.
Reasons for failure
Sometimes interest in food in children disappears due to the influence of parents. Those themselves knowingly or unconsciously deprive the child of appetite.
- The parents think that he is not eating enough and force-feed him. Then any meal turns into a torment for the child.
- The child is forced to finish eating everything that is left on the plate. It does not take into account that he has already eaten.
- The child is punished with deprivation of food or, conversely, as a punishment they are forced to eat what the parents see fit.
- The family has developed a cult of food. The child feels that issues related to nutrition are always put above his needs and requirements.
- Food does not meet the needs of the child’s body: fresh or, conversely, too salty or spicy. It is easier for him to refuse a dish than to eat something that is disgusting.
- Sometimes, refusing to eat, the child protests against what is being imposed on him and forced to do. For example, he does not want to go to a circle that his mother really likes. But he can’t admit it openly.
This parental behavior can lead to a severe eating disorder in the child. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly establish the cause of mental discomfort and eliminate it as soon as possible.
Correct eating habits
In order for your child to develop the right ideas about how to eat, show him an example:
- stick to the daily routine, alternate physical activity, rest and breaks for meals;
- exclude harmful foods and fast food from your diet;
- create a comfortable atmosphere while eating: it is better to leave conflicts and unpleasant news for later;
- tell your child what nutrients are in food and how they improve his health;
- refuse to watch TV while eating – it makes it difficult to evaluate the quantity and quality of food eaten;
- between main meals, arrange healthy snacks that increase appetite;
- Don’t punish your child for not finishing their portion.
A child needs to feel loved, no matter how much they eat. And you can always work up a good appetite by playing on the playground, running in the park or just walking along the boulevard with mom or dad. It is important that the child has the right eating habits from an early age. But a well-designed diet is not enough for this.
Children need to feel the love and care of their parents. When the family has a comfortable psychological climate, the child’s problems with food are solved much faster. Feel free to show him that you love him. This will increase the chances of avoiding eating disorders at any age.
About the Developer
Alexander Pavlov – Director of the elementary school “Give Good to Children”, a teacher-psychologist of the highest category. More on .