About nutrition for children

At the same time, we shall not forget about the daily rate of liquid and physical activity, theses greatly affects the process of digestion and assimilation of food.

Can children be given sweets?

Sweets should take the smallest percentage of the food consumed. They are not prohibited, but they should not be part of the diet. That is, eating sweet cookies with milk is not the same as pasta with chicken. And let the sweets be a treat and a little joy without pampering a kid. Be careful not to form sweet habits treating a child with candies. It is also important to set sweet consumption rules and, most importantly, to follow these rules yourself.

How often should a child eat?

The optimal amount of food intake is 5-6 times a day in small portions. So the child will receive the necessary amount of energy and nutrients on time.

Why does the child refuse to eat anything?

Let's consider several possible reasons:

First of all, the child imitates the eating habits of the parents. It is important for the family to create favorable conditions for a healthy diet and an active lifestyle - follow the meal schedule - eat at the set time at the table and not with the snacks inbetween,  follow the rules regarding sweets, be moderate in portions and cultivate the habit of activity for all family members, but do not apply such rules and regulations only for children. This is at least fair and does not contain an element of deception, and in a broader aspect, it teaches healthy habits to the little one.

Young children often have cases of neophobia, which often pass into elder years. Neophobia is a fear of new food or a new form of cooking of previously familiar food. Here it is important to gradually introduce the child to a new product, starting with the study of its properties. Try the game methods, involve the child in the cooking process, teach to explore the world around, and not to be afraid of it.

Deficiency of ferritin (a depot of iron in the body) can distort the smell and taste of food, causing disgust in the child. In case of a persistent refusal to eat, that is, from all or most dishes, it is worth to visit a pediatrician for an appropriate examination.

An authoritarian parenting style often does not take into account the child's wishes, and nutrition is no exception. If eating, the choice of dishes, the number of portions are accompanied by constant conflicts due to the parents' reluctance to accept the tastes and wishes of children, then this is a direct path to the development of persistent stress and negativity towards the very eating in the child. The reasons for conflicts at the table can be forgotten later, but stress, fear and rejection of food can remain a background feeling of the child in his eating behavior. Try to find a balance between what the child wants to eat and what you think is right for him to eat. After all, the choice of food can be a sign of freedom and, even, creativity for a small person. And the task of an adult person is to teach the small one to love healthy and nutritious food.

Eating is, above all, a cognitive process for a child. Not all children and not always eat when they are hungry. When child is refusing food, you should distinguish between his lack of hunger and rejection of the product; interest in something else at the moment, from which he does not want to be distracted by eating; reluctance to eat what is offered, instead wanting to eat something else. In many cases, the reasons for refusal to eat are different, but adults perceive such refusal in the same way, without paying attention to psychological conditions, and get used to consider the child as one who "eats badly", spoiling their nerves and a child's nerves on eating. Try to assess the situation of refusing food "here and now" through the eyes of the child, ask about his desire to eat something else or ask what he would like to eat before cooking; offer him to "help" cook - hold the lid or set the table while playing restaurant and cooks - this is also help; after all, work up a good appetite with activities before sitting down to the table; create "intrigue" for the child in the dish or in the product from which it is prepared. In a word, try to "interest" the child in food at this particular moment.

Eating is, above all, a cognitive process for a child. Not all children and not always eat when they are hungry. When child is refusing food, you should distinguish between his lack of hunger and rejection of the product; interest in something else at the moment, from which he does not want to be distracted by eating; reluctance to eat what is offered, instead wanting to eat something else. In many cases, the reasons for refusal to eat are different, but adults perceive such refusal in the same way, without paying attention to psychological conditions, and get used to consider the child as one who "eats badly", spoiling their nerves and a child's nerves on eating. Try to assess the situation of refusing food "here and now" through the eyes of the child, ask about his desire to eat something else or ask what he would like to eat before cooking; offer him to "help" cooking - hold the lid or set the table while playing restaurant and cooks - this is also help; after all, work up a good appetite with activities before sitting down to the table; create "intrigue" for the child in the dish or in the product from which it is prepared. In a word, try to "interest" the child in food at this particular moment.

Be sure your knowledge of food norms, calories and nutrients for the child correspond to those what pediatricians and nutritionists advise. It happens that at the doctor's visit, the child is found to be eating a normal amount of food and consumes a sufficient amount of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, but the parents are sure that the child is malnourished and literally "refuses to eat". You can be wrong precisely in this point and worry for no reason.

Cultivate healthy habits, build healthy relationships and be healthy!