I am worried because my child is not a good eater. What can I do?.

A It is a good to have regular mealtimes offering meals & snacks at regular times, this is better than allowing your child to pick through the day and lf possible, eat at the same time as your child because your child will learn from you.

Make mealtimes interesting and fun with attractive plates and foods that look interesting e.g. different shapes and colours of pasta.

Switch off the television while you are eating so that the atmosphere is calm and relaxed.

Try not to rush mealtimes but have a time limit, a half an hour is about right. Give small portions of food and offer more if he/she has finished the portion.
Never force a child to eat. Try not to show that you are worried or angry by your child not eating and never reward your child with food as a treat. Biscuits, cakes & fizzy drinks should be avoided as much as possible and never given close to mealtimes. Aim to offer a pint of milk a day but it should not replace meals.

Lots of milk in the day and at night can reduce a child's appetite for food at mealtimes. It is a good idea to offer finger foods as this allows your child to feed himself. It is best not to offer new foods if a child is being fussy and refusing foods.
Try once to encourage your child to take a little more, if unsuccessful, remove the plate calmly and smile. Allow your child to play with food and try to ignore the mess, touching the food and tasting and spitting can be positively rewarded by saying "well done for trying". Be consistent in your approach and keep trying your approach every day for at least a week before you decide that it is not working.
It may also help to discuss the problem with other parents who have already experienced the same situation with a child.

Parenting Courses are also a good way of looking at situations like this. They help to build up your skills and confidence. They also help you to develop a set of principles that suits you and your family to use in any similar or difficult situation you encounter with your child in the future. Contact your Health Visitor to find out about the courses available in your area. There are also many organisations that run Private Parenting Courses for groups or individuals. If you continue to be worried do consult your Health Visitor or Doctor.

health visitor

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