Question

Parent Inquiry: The child refuses to eat and is unwilling to consume vegetables. How should this be handled?

Answer

When parents are caring for their child’s diet, they first need to determine the reason behind the child’s refusal to eat. If it is due to gastrointestinal or systemic diseases, or a drug reaction leading to the refusal to eat, they should immediately seek medical treatment. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine can be chosen for treatment based on the child’s symptoms. For example, if the child has poor digestion or food retention, they can take concentrated Baohe Wan; if the child has weak spleen and stomach, decreased appetite, and bloating in the stomach, they can take Xiangsha Liujun Wan; if the damage to the spleen and stomach is due to irregular eating habits, they can take Xiangsha Yangwei Wan; if abdominal distension and diarrhea are caused by overeating, they can take Jianpi Wan, etc. In addition to medication treatment, there are several points to note when trying to increase a child’s appetite:

  1. Create a quiet dining environment that allows the child to eat comfortably and happily, as the digestive system is influenced by emotions. Excessive tension can lead to a decrease in appetite. Therefore, parents should avoid loud laughter or distracting the child during meals.
  2. Consider a variety of nutrients when preparing food for the child, ensuring it is rich in variety and easy to digest. Try to make the food appealing in terms of color, aroma, and taste to stimulate the child’s appetite. Additionally, finely chop the vegetables served to the child and avoid overcooking rice so that it is easier for them to chew.