Help My Toddler Won't Eat!
No matter what I make, my 3-year-old says he isn’t hungry! I’ve tried everything—even telling him that he has to stay at the table until he finishes his meal. (He fell asleep at the dinner table!) What worries me is that he doesn’t even seem hungry. Could something more be wrong?
A Recipe for More Relaxed Mealtimes
By Karen F. Hefler, LMFT
Mealtimes can be extremely challenging during those toddler and preschool years! Be assured that many parents experience the same challenges you’re facing—kids at this stage often eat less and hate to sit still. If your son is losing weight or showing a lowered energy level, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician in order to rule out any medical issues. More than likely you just have an active, curious, healthy little guy who simply doesn’t want to stop moving.
While it’s tempting for worried parents to try forcing little ones to eat, keep in mind that harsh discipline at mealtimes will only create power struggles. So try to make mealtime a relaxed, positive experience, a time for family to come together, share the day’s events and enjoy some lighthearted conversation. Choose a reasonable length of time for your child to sit at the table, knowing 15 minutes may be as long as he can stand.
While it is important to offer a variety of foods to encourage good eating habits, avoid cooking special meals for your child alone—you will be disappointed and frustrated if he refuses them. Instead, try engaging your child in the cooking process. Most children are likely to eat foods that they have helped cook or prepare.
Keep recipes simple. Let him taste and smell different ingredients. Allow him to slice, chop, pour, stir, and push buttons with your guidance. Cookie cutters are great for making special shapes for his sandwich, or try giving him a choice of fruits and vegetables to make a yummy smoothie.
Your patience, along with words of encouragement in the kitchen and at the table, will help your son start to associate mealtimes with fun and relaxation. And you may just find him lingering at the table a little bit longer, and enjoying more of the food he eats.
Karen F. Hefler is a professional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Gold River. You can learn more at CounselingCalifornia.com.
A Recipe for More Relaxed Mealtimes
By Karen F. Hefler, LMFT
Mealtimes can be extremely challenging during those toddler and preschool years! Be assured that many parents experience the same challenges you’re facing—kids at this stage often eat less and hate to sit still. If your son is losing weight or showing a lowered energy level, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician in order to rule out any medical issues. More than likely you just have an active, curious, healthy little guy who simply doesn’t want to stop moving.
While it’s tempting for worried parents to try forcing little ones to eat, keep in mind that harsh discipline at mealtimes will only create power struggles. So try to make mealtime a relaxed, positive experience, a time for family to come together, share the day’s events and enjoy some lighthearted conversation. Choose a reasonable length of time for your child to sit at the table, knowing 15 minutes may be as long as he can stand.
While it is important to offer a variety of foods to encourage good eating habits, avoid cooking special meals for your child alone—you will be disappointed and frustrated if he refuses them. Instead, try engaging your child in the cooking process. Most children are likely to eat foods that they have helped cook or prepare.
Keep recipes simple. Let him taste and smell different ingredients. Allow him to slice, chop, pour, stir, and push buttons with your guidance. Cookie cutters are great for making special shapes for his sandwich, or try giving him a choice of fruits and vegetables to make a yummy smoothie.
Your patience, along with words of encouragement in the kitchen and at the table, will help your son start to associate mealtimes with fun and relaxation. And you may just find him lingering at the table a little bit longer, and enjoying more of the food he eats.
Karen F. Hefler is a professional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Gold River. You can learn more at CounselingCalifornia.com.
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