Tips to Restore Harmony to the Dinner Table End Mealtime Power Struggles
When a child refuses to eat what’s in front of them, it’s frustrating for everyone involved. Over the years, parents have tried countless methods to deal with picky eaters, including punishment, cajoling, pleading, and compromising. They can all be exhausting with limited effect. So, what do experts recommend? First, you should consider whether your child is experiencing any discomfort eating. Children often don’t know how to express when something is causing them pain. They could be suffering from gastrointestinal problems and other issues like cavities. Difficulty chewing can also play a role. If you’ve ruled out medical concerns, you may suspect your picky eater is just jockeying for control — and you may be right, according to Dina Rose, author of “It’s Not About the Broccoli.” Small children control very little about their daily lives, but they can decide what to chew and swallow. And when parents react
negatively, children realize and take advantage of their power in the situation.
avoid making them special meals, which reinforces their picky eating habits. Try making food fun with bright colors and fun shapes, and ask your children for help preparing meals so they’ll have a stake in the final product. Finally, resist the urge to withhold dessert — it only reinforces the idea that sweet foods are tasty and vegetables are yucky.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the keys to resolving this conflict are routines and patience. Serve meals and snacks at regular times each day, and ensure snacks are not too close to dinnertime. Practice encouragement instead of punishment when your child rejects
foods; kids often need time to warm up to new tastes and
If your child’s diet is extremely
restricted and you’re concerned about their health, visit your pediatrician. But most kids will eat once they’re hungry enough and
textures. Creating a rule that your child must try each food served is fine — but saying they must clean their plate is counterproductive.
eventually grow out of the phase. Refusing to
play tug of war with food can help you stop mealtime from being a battleground and restore it to a time to enjoy
Being gentle with your child will lower the stakes and open up communication. At the same time, you should
each other’s company.
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