Children who are picky eaters often face nutritional deficiencies, impacting their immune system, brain development, and height. When children eat well, they absorb nutrients more effectively, boosting their resistance and promoting healthy development. Parents should establish scientific routines and eating habits for children from an early age.

Discipline in daily routines

Children thrive when they maintain a structured lifestyle. Parents should set fixed times for meals, sleep, and playtime. Irregular schedules can disrupt the natural hunger cycle, so children need to limit snacking between meals. Adequate water intake throughout the day also supports digestion and stimulates appetite.

Avoid screens during meals

Children using phones or watching television during meals are easily distracted. When the whole family eats together, the meal becomes a shared activity, encouraging children to eat mindfully and form healthy habits long-term.

Encourage physical activity to boost appetite

A sedentary lifestyle slows metabolism, thereby reducing appetite. When children exercise regularly, their bodies expend energy and metabolism is stimulated, creating a natural feeling of hunger. Outdoor activities such as running, jumping, and cycling not only increase appetite but also help the digestive system function effectively, leading to better nutrient absorption. Regular physical activity also contributes to comprehensive development, improving cardiovascular health, fostering a positive mood, and promoting better sleep.

Offer a variety of foods

Children easily get bored eating the same dishes repeatedly because their brains and taste buds quickly become accustomed to repetitive flavors, diminishing their appetite. Parents should vary meals, adding new flavors, colors, and textures, and involve children in meal preparation. This not only sparks interest and curiosity but also helps children feel proud of their efforts, making them more enthusiastic about mealtime.

Avoid using snacks as rewards

Parents should avoid using snacks as rewards, as this can foster unhealthy nutritional thinking in children. When rewarded with sweet treats, children may easily associate feelings of joy and happiness with foods high in sugar, salt, and fat, leading to an unbalanced diet. Instead, offer fruits, homemade snacks, or fun-shaped cookies. Children should also limit processed foods, sugary sodas, and artificial colors, as these are not beneficial for their health.

If a child's picky eating persists, parents should take their child for a nutritional consultation to receive advice and adjust the diet appropriately. Certain conditions such as parasitic infections, ear infections, anemia, pharyngitis, or mouth sores can also cause children to lose their appetite.

Le Nguyen (According to Times of India)