Parenting is easily one of the most challenging things a person will attempt in their life. With so much responsibility riding on your shoulders it can seem overwhelming at times, but you power on and do what you can to ensure your kids are happy, safe, and healthy. So, what happens when problems occur and you’re struggling for solutions? Eating problems in kids are more common than you may think, and the good news is that there’s no need to feel overwhelmed because there is help. Here are some steps you can take to deal with minor to more serious issues.
Is Your Child Sick with a Bug?
One of the simplest reasons that your child may not be eating is that they don’t feel well. A loss of appetite is common with things such as influenza, a common cold, an ear infection, a tummy ache and more. If they suddenly stop eating for no apparent reason, ask them how they feel and see if you can get them to elaborate. If they are too young to describe how they feel, it will be up to you to watch for signs and symptoms that they may have a bug. Chances are that once they start feeling better, their appetite will return.
You May Have a Picky Eater on Your Hands
Then there are picky eaters which range in severity. Some mild picky eaters refuse some foods or textures but not all and then some are texture, taste and smell adverse, which will require many more proactive steps. Depending on how picky they are and how much it affects their ability to eat a healthy diet, you may need to visit a nutritionist or even a speech therapist who can help with issues that feed into picky eaters.
What If There Is a Serious Medical Issue?
If the eating problem is more than just your child being picky, it may be time to see the doctor. There are serious medical issues that could be going on and it’s important to get a diagnosis. One health issue that can be a problem is dysphagia, which refers to a swallowing disorder. A doctor will be able to diagnose this problem. Not being able to swallow can be extremely dangerous as the child can end up choking. Dysphagia can also cause dehydration, malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, drooling and more.
Treatments can vary but it may be necessary to change the consistency and texture of the foods being given. Food thickening products are very common and can be used when pureeing foods. A product such as the SimplyThick thickener allows you to get the consistency just right.
Another medical issue could be an eating disorder, which is also serious. Again, it’s best to speak to your child’s doctor for a proper diagnosis and plan.
One of the worst things you can do is ignore eating issues. Whether it is from an acute illness, a more severe medical issue or just the fact they are a picky eater, there are solutions.