- Set up a feeding schedule for that include 3 meals and an evening snack every day; the meals and the snack should be 3-4 hours apart and take place at the same time every day.
- Do not allow eating, snacking, “grazing,” between meals; provide only water between meals- offering anything else between meals will only decrease your child’s appetite.
- Do not offer substitutes if the child has skipped a meal.
- Minimize distraction during feeding, such as toys, books, or television.
- Provide a calm environment for eating.
- Encourage your child to eat independently and tolerate age-appropriate messiness during meals.
- Never force-feed your child: pressuring a child to eat rarely works and often creates a very stressful feeding environment for the whole family. It can also disrupt the parent-child relationship, which can negatively affect your child’s development.
- Always feed your child at a table.
- Keep your child at the table for 20 to 30 minutes, even if your child does not eat or eats very little and is finished in just a few minutes; explain that he/she needs to stay there until “Mom’s and Dad’s tummies are full.” This will help him/her to eat until fullness.
- Do not pressure or force your child to eat-it will probably only lead to a power struggle rather than an increase in his/her food intake.
- If your child does not eat or eats very little at mealtime, do not worry or give in and allow snacks between meals; it is not dangerous for a child to eat only a small amount at a meal and he/she will eat better at the next meal or the next day.
- Eat “new foods: in the presence of your child without offering any; casually mention that the food you’re eating is really good. Over the time and as your child understand you will not force him/her to eat the food, your child will become increasingly interested in the food, and start asking for a bite. When your child asks for a bite (and only at your child’s request), give him/her a small portion. Do not force your child for trying it, and stay neutral whether your child likes the new food or not. Even praise can make your child anxious, and he/she may not be able to eat any of the food.
