 |
| The Grafton Girls continued on page 48 |
talking about health with JOAN WILLIAMS S.R.N., S.C.M.
when a child won’t eat
There are many reasons for loss of appetite but it can be cured with understanding.
QUIETLY observing the pretty dark haired child at the next table, I heard her say with a sigh: "It's no good, Mummy. 'I just can't eat it." With that she pushed her plate away and turned to watch the others in the large restaurant.
I thought about her afterwards, and wondered why it was she had refused a tempting looking dinner. With a six year old, as in any age group, there are many possibilities.
The most obvious reason is that the child doesn't feel well. She may have a sore throat and be sickening for something. Alternatively, she may have had too many fizzy drinks or have eaten too many ice creams, sweets, chocolate, or creamy cakes. Her tummy has wisely gone on strike, demanding a, much needed respite.
It's not difficult for an observant mother to spot such circumstances as these. She calls in the doctor if the child is unwell and, meanwhile, keeps her resting quietly and off food. If it's obvious that overeating or eating too many bits and pieces is responsible, then she enforces a short, water only period, followed by three to four days on a simple, fat free diet. After which all should be well again.
But supposing there is a persistent indifference to food, although the child is perfectly well, and there is no possibility of her digestive system having been upset by rich or unsuitable food?
It could be that the child is spoiled, of course. She has discovered that it pays to refuse food at table, because Mummy gives her all sorts of titbits to prevent her losing weight.
Similar reasoning may be behind an apparent (or genuine) loss of appetite in a child who is seeking attention because, she feels left out, jealous and insecure.
This situation often arises when a baby brother or sister, comes along, and the older child hasn't had time to accept the newcomer or adapt to the situation. In all probability, she knows from past experience that she can always create a stir by refusing to eat her meals. She proceeds to make capital out of her knowledge, and draws attention from the interloper to herself by reverting to baby habits, or refusing her food.
Ignore it
There is only one satisfactory way to deal with this kind of situation and that is outwardly to ignore it. The child must get the impression that her behaviour doesn't pay.
When she is quite convinced of this, she will give it up as a bad job and, provided she is given the, love and reassurance she needs, she will soon regain her appetite.
Prolonged worry or fear will also rob the older child or adult of her appetite and this kind of emotional upset is by no means rare. It may arise as the result of disharmony in the home. Worrying over lessons, homework or an impending examination may rob a child of appetite. Fear of falling below the standard expected of her by parents or teacher, and the anxiety this creates, can have the same effect.
Here again, understanding and reassurance are needed. The child must be helped to feel that her parents' love is hers, no matter what she does, and that their respect and admiration depend on honest effort and integrity.
Encouraged by this attitude, comforted by their support, the child will work with infinitely less strain, and with far better results. A few days on a nutritious, but fat free, diet will help her digestion to get into its stride again, while plenty of sleep and a good deal more exercise in the fresh air will ease away remaining tension. Then it should not be long before the child is her old, self, eating as only a healthy schoolgirl can.
I thought about her afterwards, and wondered why it was she had refused a tempting looking dinner. With a six year old, as in any age group, there are many possibilities.
The most obvious reason is that the child doesn't feel well. She may have a sore throat and be sickening for something. Alternatively, she may have had too many fizzy drinks or have eaten too many ice creams, sweets, chocolate, or creamy cakes. Her tummy has wisely gone on strike, demanding a, much needed respite.
It's not difficult for an observant mother to spot such circumstances as these. She calls in the doctor if the child is unwell and, meanwhile, keeps her resting quietly and off food. If it's obvious that overeating or eating too many bits and pieces is responsible, then she enforces a short, water only period, followed by three to four days on a simple, fat free diet. After which all should be well again.
But supposing there is a persistent indifference to food, although the child is perfectly well, and there is no possibility of her digestive system having been upset by rich or unsuitable food?
It could be that the child is spoiled, of course. She has discovered that it pays to refuse food at table, because Mummy gives her all sorts of titbits to prevent her losing weight.
Similar reasoning may be behind an apparent (or genuine) loss of appetite in a child who is seeking attention because, she feels left out, jealous and insecure.
This situation often arises when a baby brother or sister, comes along, and the older child hasn't had time to accept the newcomer or adapt to the situation. In all probability, she knows from past experience that she can always create a stir by refusing to eat her meals. She proceeds to make capital out of her knowledge, and draws attention from the interloper to herself by reverting to baby habits, or refusing her food.
Ignore it
There is only one satisfactory way to deal with this kind of situation and that is outwardly to ignore it. The child must get the impression that her behaviour doesn't pay.
When she is quite convinced of this, she will give it up as a bad job and, provided she is given the, love and reassurance she needs, she will soon regain her appetite.
Prolonged worry or fear will also rob the older child or adult of her appetite and this kind of emotional upset is by no means rare. It may arise as the result of disharmony in the home. Worrying over lessons, homework or an impending examination may rob a child of appetite. Fear of falling below the standard expected of her by parents or teacher, and the anxiety this creates, can have the same effect.
Here again, understanding and reassurance are needed. The child must be helped to feel that her parents' love is hers, no matter what she does, and that their respect and admiration depend on honest effort and integrity.
Encouraged by this attitude, comforted by their support, the child will work with infinitely less strain, and with far better results. A few days on a nutritious, but fat free, diet will help her digestion to get into its stride again, while plenty of sleep and a good deal more exercise in the fresh air will ease away remaining tension. Then it should not be long before the child is her old, self, eating as only a healthy schoolgirl can.
No food worries for the baby who is healthy, and sure of her mother's love
I am always pleased to answer your queries if you write to me at the address on page 3. Please don't forget to enclose a stamped sell addressed envelope, will you?
----------------------------------------------------------
Week by Week with the Winkies
SUE BITES HER NAILS
"Sue, stop biting your nails. How many times must I tell you?" cries Anne. "Take your hands from your mouth."
"Did you hear me? Do as I tell you at once." Anne, who's tired and nervy, slaps Sue sharply on her hand.
Kind Mrs. Wop suggests that nail biting would be more easily, checked if she'd distract Sue's attention.
Anne knows she is right and is sorry she lost her temper. "Come, Sue," she cries. "Help Mummy bath Mike"
----------------------------------------------------------
Week by Week with the Winkies
SUE BITES HER NAILS
"Sue, stop biting your nails. How many times must I tell you?" cries Anne. "Take your hands from your mouth."
"Did you hear me? Do as I tell you at once." Anne, who's tired and nervy, slaps Sue sharply on her hand.
Kind Mrs. Wop suggests that nail biting would be more easily, checked if she'd distract Sue's attention.
Anne knows she is right and is sorry she lost her temper. "Come, Sue," she cries. "Help Mummy bath Mike"
No comments:
Post a Comment