Many parents find it's no easy task to ensure their children eat three proper meals a day. This is because children often exhibit some degree of picky eating, leaving parents at a loss. To address this, scientists, based on extensive research and clinical trials and considering children's psychological characteristics, have introduced the new concept of "feeding on demand," which promises to solve this long-standing problem.
Children have a self-preservation instinct
Regarding children's picky eating, scientists reassure parents not to worry. Although their eating habits are irregular, their interest in food can change quickly, and they are particularly prone to being picky eaters, their overall food intake ultimately meets their physical development needs. They are often fickle: they might devour a certain food with great enthusiasm one day, only to develop an aversion to it and ignore it the next, perhaps returning to their original favorite food the day after. As for the amount of food, eating a little more one day and a little less the next does not negatively impact their daily caloric expenditure.
After observing 15 children with poor appetites for six days, American psychologist Lynne Birch concluded that regardless of how poorly children behave at mealtimes, they maintain a physiological balance between the food they consume and their body's needs. The secret lies in their instinct for self-preservation. Therefore, parents need not be overly anxious about their children's diet, nor should they resort to force-feeding. When a child truly has no desire for food, it's fine to let them go hungry for a bit. This aligns with the traditional Chinese feeding philosophy, "To keep a child healthy, let them experience a bit of hunger and cold."
Let children choose freely
Experts abroad have conducted an experiment: placing a variety of different foods in front of children at each meal, such as orange juice, carrots, peaches, steak, fish, oatmeal, milk, bananas, etc. What to eat and how much to eat was entirely up to the children, with no guidance or restrictions from their parents. The experiment lasted for six years. Interestingly, not a single child in these six years suffered from a serious illness. Even those who originally had malnutrition-related diseases like rickets fully recovered, and their growth and development were completely normal. When researchers analyzed the calories in the foods the children chose freely, they found that indicators like caloric intake and acid-base balance were all adapted to the body's growth needs.
This experiment not only reaffirmed that children have a self-preservation instinct but, more importantly, offered this insight: when planning meals, strive for variety and give children ample choices to achieve good results. The same principle applies to vegetables.
According to research by Australian nutritionists, although the nerves connecting a child's tongue and brain are not fully developed, preventing them from identifying what they are eating and leading them to dislike vegetables, they do not dislike all vegetables. For instance, tender corn kernels, carrots, peas, tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, and cauliflower are generally well-liked. Therefore, you might use these as a "gateway" and put some effort into cooking methods (like steaming or stir-frying to maintain a crisp texture) to gradually spark a child's enthusiasm for vegetables.
Why they eat "playfully"
The phenomenon of eating "playfully" is very common among children. They often start a meal, have their initial appetite satisfied, and then get distracted. They eat and play at the same time, stretching out a meal for a long time. In fact, this behavior of eating "playfully" appears shortly after birth. Whether breastfeeding or drinking formula, after a period of focused sucking (10-15 minutes), the baby will pause between sucks, eyes fixed on the mother's face.
Why is this so? The explanation from American child psychologists is that this is a manifestation of a child's desire for social interaction. They are seeking comfort from their mother, such as caresses, smiles, hugs, rocking, and conversation. Therefore, you can view eating "playfully" as a special way for a child to seek connection, in order to fully meet their physical and psychological development needs. As a parent, the wise approach is not to interfere harshly, but to skillfully use this opportunity. While providing "physical nourishment," also give as much "spiritual nourishment" as possible to "fuel" the child's healthy growth.
Tips for snacking
The latest research from child psychologists suggests that snacking is both a physiological and psychological need for children, so a blanket rejection is not scientific. The key is to follow these points:
1. Control the quantity of snacks to ensure they do not affect the intake of main meals.
2. Choose the types of snacks wisely. High-calorie foods like chocolate, cake, and cookies are suitable for the morning. After a nap, offer some plain water. In the afternoon, give some fruit (during breaks from play). Generally, no snacks are given after dinner, but if possible, a glass of milk before bed is acceptable.
3. Cultivate good hygiene habits. Children should wash their hands before eating snacks and rinse their mouths afterward to maintain oral hygiene and prevent dental issues like cavities.