My Daughter isn't Eating Properly

by Allison Marlowe

Q. My six year old daughter isn’t eating properly. I am very keen that she should eat a balanced, healthy diet and I try very hard to prepare nice, healthy meals but I can't help worrying when she refuses her food. We didn’t have this problem when she was younger, she would eat anything, so why won't she do so now? She does eat her packed lunch at school It's all very well when my mother tells me not to worry but of course I do.

A. I do understand how frustrating this can be but many children do go through phases of saying they dislike something even if they loved it just the day before!

So long as she is healthy and growing she is probably getting the nutrients she needs. Young children are very capable at regulating their food intake and as you say she is eating her packed lunch at school. Your daughter certainly won’t starve and she will eat when she is hungry!

The secret is to not make food a battle ground. Most importantly do not let your daughter see you over react at mealtimes. Your daughter realises that you cannot make her eat and, once this becomes a battle, increasingly this is an area that she has control over in.

So give her very little attention where food is concerned - keep it relaxed and stress free.

Here are a few practical ideas that you will find useful.

• Involve your daughter more in the preparation of her food - Even toddlers enjoy helping by taking items out of cupboards and sitting next to you when you cook.
• Talk to her about what you are buying at the supermarket and get her excited about helping you out.
• When it is a meal time make sure she is actually hungry - If she has been snacking she is less likely to be interested in the meal you are serving.
• Limit her choices - simply ask her to eat what she wants and leave what she doesn't.
• Always include at least one food you know she likes and enjoys.
• Make meal times as enjoyable and relaxed as possible and sit down and eat with your child – talk about the day, engage your daughter in conversation as it can act a s a distraction.

If your daughter refuses to eat anything, calmly take the plate away without a fuss. If she tells you later that she is hungry, remind her that the mealtime is now over and that she had the choice to eat her meal but she decided she didn't want it. Don't make her something else - just offer her something simple like a piece of fruit and tell her that next time you would like her to eat her dinner.

Finally give her plenty of praise. Praise her for her efforts, there is no need to wait for her to clear her plate.

Allison Marlowe, the founder of Pace of Life Coaching specialises in helping parents. She is passionate about parenting and has over 20 years of extensive experience working with children and their parents. Before gaining her Advanced Diploma in Life Coaching she worked as an Early Years lecturer in Further education.

Pace of Life supports parents who are feeling the pressures of every day life and enables them to solve any parenting situation so they can enjoy time with their children and lead the life they desire. From sleepless nights to rebellious teenagers, juggling childcare to finding some regular time for yourself, you will be able to reach your full parenting potential and develop a positive relationship in which to raise happy, responsible and confident children. Telephone: 023 92644598 or by email info@paceoflifecoaching.co.uk or visit our website www.paceoflifecoaching.co.uk

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