Hi, I have a two years old son. He refuses to eat and this is affecting his growth. He is underweighted and smaller than the rest of the children his age. I am worried that this will influence his mental development as well. Is there something I can do to make him eat? I have tried forcing him, but it does not help.
Hi, you are absolutely right about the affects that refusing food will have on your child's development. He needs vitamins and nutrition elements that he can get only from food for healthy development both physical and mental. If he does not eat he will severely endanger his health. Forcing him to eat only makes the problem worse. A child with eating problem does not respond well to force and concern. Actually, you should do exactly the opposite. When you set the table for your son to eat, try to be relaxed. It would be best if the whole family ate together. Let him chose what he wants to eat from the plate. If he ignores the food, do not get upset. When you are done, remove the food that was in front of him. Resist from trying to feed him between the scheduled meals. I am positive that when the time for another meal comes he will eat everything from his plate. This is the only way to teach your son to eat properly. Also, you are assuring his proper development. In time your son will catch up with other children his age.
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