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All that fuss over food

Getting small children to eat the right food is tough, but you can succeed with patience

PHOTO: K. ANANTHAN

DON'T FORCEFEED THEMChildren should be trained to eat by themselves at the dining table

Is feeding toddlers a nightmarish experience for some parents? Many kindergarten children seem to hate normal food. Finicky kids have strong opinions on what they should eat and are happy on a diet of chocolates and ice-creams. Tearing their hair in exasperation, mothers give up. How should one make kids eat? Should they be forced or threatened? How should food be made attractive to lure children to try at least a morsel?

Patience and understanding are the key. A two-year-old's taste buds are more sensitive than an adult's. So give your toddler time to get familiar with new foods.

Unfounded fears

Shaila Kamath, paediatrician says: "Parents' fears that kids are not eating enough are unfounded and exaggerated. For, as long as kids are healthy there is nothing to worry. Forcefeeding often leads to vomiting. Children may be plump or lean according to their constitution and hereditary factors and not according to diet. Ultimately, within a year or two at school, kids develop normal eating habits. They should be trained to eat at the dining table from the first year onwards instead of being mouth-fed. Breakfast times are often tense for the mother and kids, because there is the school time. The situation is worse today as many schools begin so early and children don't feel hungry at that hour."

It has been observed that when it comes to quantity, children know best. Raagini Menon, Honorary Secretary of a special school, says: "Children's lunch boxes are stuffed with such large quantities that they cannot eat and the food gets wasted. Though we often advise parents not to do so they don't seem to understand." Many teachers and staff of day-care centres and kindergartens feel the same.

A toddler may suddenly refuse to eat his favourite noodles on the pretext that the serving is not shaped to his liking. Parental cajoling, promises of rewards and the very negotiations are ways of asserting his presence. Parents' annoyance makes him feel powerful. Whatever be the problem, if parents maintain the necessary composure, poise and foresight without flaring up, problems are solved. "Have your vegetables and mama shall buy you chocolates," sends the wrong signal. Instead of chocolate, take him for a joy ride.

"Most kids, labelled poor eaters, actually get adequate nourishment," says Elizabeth Philip, psychologist. "They will eat as much as they need for normal growth. Parents should never comment on their child's eating habits before others and make it a big issue. Praise him when he is neat. Meal times should be pleasant and relaxed. Parents mouth-feed children to prevent the mess created when kids eat by themselves. But children should eat by themselves. Forcefeeding may eventually lead to eating disorders."

So, next time, don't work yourself up to a frenzy. If your kid is healthy he is eating enough. And if he is hungry he shall eat.

Make it fun

To make food attractive for toddlers and feeding time less of a maddening experience have fun with food.

Use your imagination run and make figures or faces from biscuits and bread. For eyes use two raisins, a strip of red jam for the mouth, a broccoli floret for the nose and cheese strips for the hair. Chances are that your toddler may have three-fourth. Animal or character shaped jelly moulds with bright coloured nuts arouse interest.

Serve food in bowls depicting cartoon characters or his favourite hero.

HEMJIT BHARATHAN

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