My child isn't eating enough : What can I do?

As mothers we face this one big issue with children of all ages. My child isn't eating enough. What can I do to fix that? Fussy children are everywhere. Lack of enough vitamins and nutrition in the child remains a big concern for all parents and so one useful way to understand how to solve this, is by listening to other parents.

Force feeding is not the answer. We need to hold us back from doing so. SheThePeople Parenting spoke with parents to bring you this perspective.

Feeding Tips For A Fussy Child

1. Distracting my child with something else: Putting music, doing a quiz or having a conversations is a big hit with some children. "This way I can experiment with new foods and at least there is no resistance at the beginning," says Anu Jhaveri, a parent of three. Sometimes making the start is important, because even new things can be fun. If it takes a book or a video, that's worth experimenting.

2. They prefer routine and comfort food : When your child likes something, work on giving the child more of what they are familiar with and like to eat. "I do combinations of items my son likes. It's a tried and tested dish that works for him," says Deepshikha Chakravarti who is the mother of one. "Kinnow juice works, but doesn't mean my son will also love other citrus fruits. I thought my son would enjoy anything new, something innovative but I realised giving familiar foods makes sure he eats it."

3. Experimenting is one good option: For some, experimenting works. "I try different things but the same vegetable. Bhindi, kurkure bhindi, dahi and bhindi and others," says Chakravarti.

Radhika Bhalla says, "I try new foods, but with the assurance that I will not force my child. That ensure the kid isn't under pressure."

4. Green vegetables : Many children don't like anything green. So one fun activity is to create a bowl of interesting and colourful food times and give the child to choose. Make a rule that the child has to pick any one for sure. "My daughter wasn't a fan of peas. But I got her to peel them one day and give me the peas in a small katori. She loved doing that and now likes it eating them too," says Maya Ansari from Ludhiana.

Child Not Eating Enough : What Should A Parent Do?

"Another time I tried beans but I didn't chop them like how I always do, and make a bean-stick-stalk poem with her."

Some mothers find taking children to the vegetable shop a fun activity too. "I went on a hunt in the veg shop with my daughter, and we picked different things for our trolley, "Ansari adds. The idea is for parents to create interest in the children about what they like, what all options exist and how they bring energy to the kids.

5. Veiled foods: One other way is to knead the foods your kids don't really like the taste of but are mighty healthy for them. "I made lots of paranthas - from beetroot to sarson and that does wonders for us," says Chakravarti. 

Another parent of one, Ruchi Makkad says, "For patriotic days we make tri colour idlis with carrots and palak purie. These do good for kids, they have a fun stories and are colourful."

5. Food stories and characters : If a child is not eating enough or is fussy, then experiment with telling stories. From mountain triangular shaped paranthas to a volcano rice. 

6. Follow a plan/routine: Most child specialists remind us that routine is the child's best ally. Children love routines and prefer to stick by them. "My son ate Dalia every single morning for four years," says Shalini Gupta. "It's what we know best. It's what is predictable." So experiment little, routine more.

7. Listen to them when they say no : When your child says they don't want something, don't shove it down their throat. Try a little but drop it if the prodding isn't working. While our intent is to feed them well, sometimes they just get bored and tired of eating. 

These Feeding Habits Are A No-No

1. Forcing the child: There is no benefit in forcing your child to eat something. Most doctors and nutritionists don't recommend it. Food shouldn't be a fight. By forcing you spoil the mood of the child and they may think of meal times as not-nice. 

2. Empower them with choice: Children feel great when they are deciding something for themselves. Give them some choices of what they can eat, make them pick stuff from healthy options and more.