Dinner time can be a stressful time for many parents. You have worked hard to prepare a healthy and delicious meal for your little ones, but for some reason, they just won’t eat. If this sounds familiar to you, don’t worry, you are not alone! In this blog, we will explore some common reasons why children might refuse to eat at dinner time and what you can do to help.
They’re sick or teething
When your child is under the weather or teething, their appetite may be affected. They might be in pain or simply not feeling well, making it difficult for them to focus on eating. If your child is sick, be patient and offer them small, nutrient-dense meals that are easy to eat. If teething is the issue, try offering a cool or frozen teething toy during mealtime to soothe their gums.
They’re full from snacking
If your child has been snacking all day, they might not be hungry come dinnertime. Try to limit the amount of snacks your child has throughout the day and serve dinner at a consistent time each evening to help regulate their hunger.
The environment is not conducive to eating
If mealtime is a stressful or chaotic environment, it can be difficult for your child to relax and focus on eating. Try to create a calm and positive atmosphere at the dinner table, and encourage conversation and relaxation.
They’re not hungry
It may seem obvious, but sometimes children just aren’t hungry when it’s time to eat. If your child is playing, running around, or just doesn’t seem interested in food, it might be best to wait a little while and offer them a small snack later on or a nutritious breakfast in the morning.
Boredom with the same foods
Sometimes children refuse to eat because they are bored with the same meals every day. Mixing up the menu and trying new recipes can help keep things interesting and enticing for your little ones.
Distracted by screens or toys
With the rise of technology and screens, it’s easy for children to become distracted at mealtime. If your child is more interested in their tablet or toy than the meal, it’s time to set some new family expectations that work for your dinner table. This could mean having a screen-free mealtime where your child can focus on being with their family and enjoying their food. Remember, for some children having a toy or a screen can actually be helpful at meals, as it supports them to feel calm.
Struggling with self-feeding
For younger children who are still learning to feed themselves, mealtime can be a struggle. Utensils that are too big or too small, as well as slippery plates, can make it difficult for children to eat on their own successfully. Products like our silicone feeding products can help make the transition to self-feeding easier for both you and your child. Some of our favourites are the Taste Tester Spoon Set and the Soft and Sleek Silicone Cup. These are both great for little hands!
There are many reasons why children might not eat at dinnertime, but by understanding and addressing these challenges, you can help make mealtimes a positive experience for your whole family. If you’re looking for feeding products to make mealtimes easier, check out Joyfull Mealtimes. They offer a range of silicone baby and toddler feeding products that are safe, durable, and easy to clean. So why not make mealtimes a joyous experience for everyone!