Mothers are often observed forcefully feeding their children.
Is this practice healthy for the kid? Or, if there is a more effective way to feed and nourish the child?
Why parents have to force their child to eat?
Sometimes, a child may resist eating because they are unaware that the crankiness is due to hunger. In such instances, mothers attempt to direct the child's attention, giving the food and asking them to eat.
Until the age of approximately four, children often fail to recognize their hunger due to distractions. They become irritable or cry when hungry, relying on the parents to understand and feed them.
This approach involves understanding the child's needs rather than coercively stuffing them with food.
As a child matures and gains the ability to express hunger, it becomes important for parents to encourage independent eating.
Saying from experience...
Reflecting on personal experiences, a mother shared that, until a certain age, they coaxed their son to eat more by diverting his attention. However, a crucial moment occurred when the child fell ill and had to visit doctor. The doctor advised the parent to refrain from force-feeding. Instead, the doctor recommended allowing the child to eat on his own, emphasizing that the child's focus and enjoyment of the food contribute to effective nutrient assimilation. Following this guidance, the parent refrained from force-feeding their child, except during periods of illness.Enable kids to eat independently
The age of 2 to 4 years is the period of assisted feeding or coaxing. Child should be made to sit upright, away from screen and distractions.
Once they are 3 years, they should be given meals on specific timings and encouraged to eat independently. Early months of independent eating can be encouraged with appreciations or complimented with small-small rewards until they develop a habit.
Besides this, children should be encouraged to eat atleast one meal with family/ member. This helps them develop eating etiquettes at an early age.
Way to go..
Once the child acquires the ability to eat on his own, parents should step back and subtly monitor their eating habits.
Allowing the child to determine their own food intake builds a positive relationship with eating.
While children may eat less or create a mess in the beginning, such experiences contribute to their developmental journey with food. Ultimately, independency of children during meals encourages a mindful and enjoyable experience to eating, laying the groundwork for healthy eating habits in the long run.
To ensure children get complete nutrition, parents can prepare a meal planner and include millets in their daily diet.