Question
A two-year-old boy has a limited interest in food, possibly due to excessive snacking, but he is in good spirits and not underweight. He occasionally refuses to eat in the morning and only drinks milk after persuasion. Sometimes, he intentionally avoids food throughout the morning, causing distress to his parents, who hope for a detailed explanation.
Answer
Establishing healthy dietary habits for children is crucial. It is advisable to avoid giving them sugary or salty foods and to limit the provision of snacks like cakes, biscuits, and candies that offer only ’empty’ calories. It is not recommended to give children sweet pudding; instead, opt for puddings made from fruits, cheese, or fruit purees. Parents should not expect children to naturally develop good dietary habits, especially during the initial stages of learning to eat. When children are about 12 months old, they are accustomed to crawling and exploring, with limited mobility, so it is common for them to unwilling sit still for meals. If a child wants to leave the table, they should be allowed to do so; after a few minutes, the child may return on their own seeking food;