Question
Parent Inquiry: My daughter is 8 years old and has a small stature and weight. She doesn’t like to eat and is very picky with her food. She often gets a fever and seems less alert in her thinking. This condition has been ongoing, and she has never received any related treatment.
Answer
Medical Consultation Suggestions: To help correct the child’s picky eating and meat deficiency habits, here are some recommendations:
- Parents should avoid mentioning their own dislikes in front of the child.
- Cooking should focus on skillful techniques to make food delicious and appealing to increase the child’s appetite.
- Children should not be pampered; do not stop making a dish just because the child dislikes it.
- Do not mention the child’s picky eating issues in front of others to avoid the child thinking that picky eating is normal.
- Do not force the child to eat food they dislike.
- Actively guide the child to develop an interest in various types of food.
- When the child is in good spirits and has a good appetite, guide them to improve their dietary habits. Additionally, it is recommended to reduce the child’s intake of snacks and cold drinks to enhance their appetite. For children who are difficult to change, patience and persistence are key.