Your Personal Parenting Guide by Charlotte E. Thompson & M.D

Author:Charlotte E. Thompson & M.D.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atlantic Publishing
Published: 2015-10-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Feeding

84. Young children usually eat what they need, unless they fill up on milk or snacks between meals. 2-year-olds often prefer milk to food and can develop a milk anemia due to lack of iron and good protein. Constipation can also become a problem if milk is the primary food. Some small children are very picky eaters, particularly if they aren’t expected to eat what is put in front of them, but are always fixed special treats or the foods they like.

Tony, a three-year-old, was making life very difficult for his parents because he liked few foods and would have a temper tantrum if he didn’t get exactly what he wanted.

When asked for my advice, I suggested putting small, attractive portions of food in front of Tony and if he started to have temper tantrums to get him down from the table. I urged the mother to call me if she and her husband were finding it too difficult to follow this plan.

For the next four days, I had a daily distress call from the mother, but urged her to wait a little while longer. As long as Tony was urinating and eating something, he wasn’t going to starve. Finally, on the fifth day, the mother called saying, “Tony is eating us out of house and home.” After that there were no problems.

85. Small children usually like simple, single foods. Other tips about feeding little children are:

Mixtures, such as casseroles, are not readily accepted.

Eating meals with a child helps if they are poor eaters.

Having a regular meal-time makes a difference and also allows important family time together.

If a particular food is disliked, a child may be allergic to it.

A child should not be forced to eat everything on the plate.

Snacks between meals are not wise for children with small appetites. Apple juice is a good between meal snack.

Graham crackers contain much sugar and should be given as a treat only now and then.

For preemies or underweight children, small meals and frequent high protein snacks may be needed.

Candy, cookies, and ice cream should be given just as special treats.

Milk between meals will diminish a child’s appetite for meals.

Apples and bananas should be avoided for constipated kids.

Start one new food at a time, so an allergy can be detected.

Vegetarian diets can lack greatly in protein unless great care is taken. I would make a list of all the foods eaten for a few days, and check the list with your doctor or a dietician.

Pre-packaged children’s food may contain lots of calories and may not provide the best nutrition. Read the ingredients before buying these.

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