behavioural feeding issues, food refusal, difficult mealtimes

Children may be said to have ‘behavioural’ feeding issues when there are no medical or physiological reasons that can explain the feeding difficulty.  The behaviour may be a habit that has formed accidentally.  The first step to managing behavioural feeding difficulties is to identify the behaviour that needs to change.  The next step is to systematically approach them one by one.  Start changes small – big changes get the biggest backlash.

There are many reasons for food refusal.  Most parents identify the dinner meal as the most problematic.  By the end of the day everyone (adults and children) are tired.  It is no wonder that this meal fairs the worst. 

Try to ensure that your child eats approximately every 3 hours (three meals plus two snacks per day).  Regular small meals work better than a few large meals.  Remember that children’s appetites change depending on their growth cycle and activities during the day.  Children have smaller tummy’s than adults – make sure that the portions you give them are appropriate for the size of their tummy.

Ensure that children start the day with breakfast and try and ensure they eat dinner no later than an hour before going to bed.  You wouldn’t be interested in a big meal at 10pm if you go to bed at 10.30pm(no matter how delicious)!

Constipation reduces children’s appetites.  Lack of iron in the diet reduces the appetite and makes children lethargic.  See a pediatric dietitian or you local doctor for more advice regarding the nutritional adequacy of your child’s diet.

Our book “More Peas Please” – has more details about mealtime issues, fussy eating, a good diet and practical ways of managing them.