Trouble eating

Picky eaters can develop problems in growth and development, including social and academic performance.

MOST mothers will agree that it is nerve-wracking when their child refuses to eat or is extremely fussy about food. Besides normal weight gain, meeting the nutritional needs of the child is the other main concern.

After one year, a child may also develop some picky eating because that was when they achieve autonomy and have new habits and ability, hence become less interested in food, said Dr Fisberg, adding that weight gain may slow down at that time too.

Generally, when should parents be concerned that their child is having a picky eating problem?

“Usually one month is enough to rule out other possibilities such as medical problems and to see if the picky eating problem is serious,” said Dr Fisberg, who also anchors a television programme called Body Sciences on University TV in Sao Paulo.

Positive reinforcement

Tips to cultivate healthy eating habits:

1. Avoid distractions during mealtime.

2. Adopt a neutral attitude – do not pressure a child to eat.

3. Encourage appetite by limiting snacks and balancing food portions.

4. Limit duration of meal time.

5. Provide age-appropriate foods.

6. Introduce new foods to a child gradually and regularly.

7. Encourage children to eat independently – do not spoonfeed a child who is old enough to use utensils.

8. Allow children to make a mess when they eat.