Family Doctor Health Advisor

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Eating problems

For children under 1 year, see Feeding problems.

The appetites of children are more closely governed by their body's energy requirements than are the appetites of adults. Most children alternate between active periods, during which they have large appetites, and inactive periods, when they eat much less. In addition, when children are growing rapidly, their appetites will be larger than usual. Some children naturally burn up less energy than others and have smaller appetites. Such variations in appetite are normal and are not a problem as long as your child seems well and is growing normally. Some children may refuse to eat to gain their parents' attention or control. This is relatively common in young children; however, they usually grow out of it. In older children and adolescents, a refusal to eat may be a symptom of the potentially life-threatening disorder anorexia nervosa (see Eating disorders).

1 Is your child refusing all foods?

Yes 2 No 5

Self-Help Coping with food fads

Most children become faddy eaters at some stage. Sometimes a child will refuse only one or two foods or will accept foods only if they are prepared in a particular way. The child may claim to dislike foods that he or she previously enjoyed. As long as your child is well and is growing normally, there is no need for concern. However, there are some self-help measures you can take to encourage your child to eat:

  • Keep mealtimes relaxed. Do not insist your child eats everything on his or her plate.
  • Serve small portions, giving second helpings if requested.
  • Do not give your child snacks and numerous drinks between meals.
  • Do not persist in offering rejected foods. Keep them off the menu for a week or two, then try again.
  • Avoid distractions, such as toys or television, during mealtimes.
  • Be imaginative when preparing food; for example, cut it into decorative shapes or create pictures on the plate.

Healthy eating in children

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Healthy meals
Encourage your child to enjoy healthy eating by providing a range of tasty, nutritious meals.

Relative to their size, children need to eat more food than adults because they need fuel for growth and are more active. Over the age of 5, children should eat carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the same proportions as adults: carbohydrates should make up roughly half of the diet; fats, just over a third; and proteins, the remainder. Children under 5 need more fats, as fats are high in calories and are important for the development of nerves. Children under 2 should have full-cream milk, rather than low fat milk. A varied diet that includes fruit, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and carbohydrates such as bread will provide your child with the nutrients he or she needs.

On the whole, fresh foods are better than processed. If the pressures of time mean that you often buy convenience foods, provide a balance with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Give your child healthy snacks, such as muesli bars, yoghurts, and dried fruit, but introduce healthier foods into your child's diet gradually. Keep fried and sugary foods to a minimum. Do not give your child tea or coffee or put salt on his or her meals. If you establish sensible eating habits now, your child will be less likely to become overweight or suffer from diet-related health problems in later life.

Family Doctor Health Advisor is for information purposes only, and is designed as a general reference and catalyst to seeking further information.

The RACGP is not engaged in providing medical or other advice or services, and is not responsible for the results of any actions taken by any person on the basis of any information in this publication, or for any error in, or omission from, this publication.

Publication Date: 31 March 2009
Authorised By: RACGP

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