7 Tips for Making Children Eat with Balanced Nutritional Intake

The growth period of a child is the most important phase that must always be monitored. When a child has difficulty eating, it is natural to feel concerned about their nutritional adequacy. It's no wonder that friends try various ways to encourage the child to eat more.

There are various reasons that make children reluctant to eat, ranging from teething to allergies. Children are usually also at a stage of exploring tastes, which can lead to some rejections such as spitting out food. Don't panic immediately when a child spits out or refuses to eat; friends can try some of the following solutions to restore the child's eating response.

1. Create food menu variations

Children who refuse to eat may feel bored or dislike the way the food is prepared. However, children usually cannot explain what they do not like.

If this happens, try to create different cooking variations. You don't have to immediately try a new menu; try changing the cooking method, for example, chicken that is usually fried can be boiled instead. Perhaps the child will prefer it.

2. Avoid negotiations during meals

Meal times should be a fun activity for children. Indeed, anyone would try to persuade a child to eat more. Usually, this negotiation phase makes children fussy because they are reprimanded for not wanting to eat.

If you argue too often during meals, it is possible that the child will become reluctant every time mealtime comes. So, don't force it and just let it be if they are refusing to eat.

3. Eat together

The child's growth phase usually coincides with the phase of imitation. Children are going through a very rapid information absorption stage. Therefore, invite the child to eat together so they are not afraid to try new food menu options.

A tip to encourage children to eat is the seriousness that needs to be done gradually until the child gets used to eating regularly. This will make the child experience a pleasant eating process and make it easier to consume a variety of complete balanced nutritional options.

4. Add sauces as complements

Some children may find it difficult to eat vegetables. However, dipping sauces made from yogurt or ketchup are usually liked by children because of their sweet taste. So, try to create other complementary seasonings to make the sauce appealing so that the child enjoys eating vegetables more.

5. Introduce new menus gradually

Even during the growth phase, not all children can immediately accept new menu options. Introducing food is indeed very important for children, but the process must be done gradually. If the child refuses, look for other menus with the same nutritional value.

6. Provide high-calorie snacks

Mealtime can sometimes be exhausting if the child is fussy. Perhaps when the child is teething, they will refuse when given a large portion of food on their plate. This can be solved by providing high-calorie snacks.

Yes, provide some types of fruits like avocados and mangoes to eat while playing. Even if it's just a little, the child's calorie intake will still be met.

7. Always schedule dinner

Never skip the dinner schedule. Children may get sleepy faster and not eat at night. If the child is hungry, they will become fussy and wake up from their sleep. So, make it a habit to keep the dinner schedule so that mealtime remains regular and enjoyable for the next day.

Well, those are some things that can be done to keep children enthusiastic about eating. In short, children should be accustomed to consuming food in a disciplined and timely manner, but not forced. Happy creating meals for your little one!

Author: Rizkita Darajat

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