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Mt son does not like eating healthy food he always asks for yummy food . His toes nails has cuts and bite his hand nails . please some thing

Question

#asktheexpert 
Mt son does not like eating healthy food he always asks for yummy food . His toes nails has cuts and bite his hand nails . please some thing

Accepted Answer

It seems like your son is going through a phase where he’s rejecting healthy foods in favor of tastier, more appealing options. His habit of biting his nails, having cuts, and being a "toast" (perhaps you meant a picky eater) suggests he might be feeling anxious, stressed, or might have some behavioral or sensory preferences that are affecting his eating habits.

Here are some steps you can take to address this issue:

1. Create Positive Associations with Healthy Food:

Make Healthy Foods Fun: Try to make healthy foods visually appealing and fun for your child. You can create colorful plates, cut fruits and veggies into fun shapes, or even let him help with simple meal preparation. The more engaging the food, the more likely he might be willing to try it.

Consistency and Patience: Children can take time to develop a liking for new foods. Keep offering healthy options without pressuring him. Over time, he may become more accustomed to them.

2. Limit Junk Food Exposure:

It's tempting to give in to requests for tasty, unhealthy foods, but try to limit those and instead offer healthier alternatives. Gradually reduce the amount of junk food he gets, replacing it with healthier options like homemade snacks, smoothies, or healthier versions of his favorite foods (e.g., whole grain toast instead of regular toast).

Introduce Healthy Alternatives Gradually: You can make small swaps, like adding mashed vegetables to soups or sauces, or offering whole-grain crackers instead of chips.

3. Address Nail-Biting and Cuts:

Nail-biting can sometimes be a coping mechanism for anxiety, boredom, or stress. Try to address any possible stressors, like changes in routine or environment. Offer comfort and reassurance.

Provide Alternative Behaviors: Encourage your son to use a stress ball, fidget toy, or chew on a healthy snack like carrot sticks instead of biting his nails. Sometimes, nail-biting can also be a sign of a need for oral stimulation, so offering crunchy snacks might help redirect this behavior.

Positive Reinforcement: Praise him when he avoids biting his nails and reward him with something simple that he values. Consistent praise can help him form healthier habits.

4. Make Healthy Eating a Family Activity:

Children tend to mimic the behavior of their parents. Try to make healthy eating a family activity, where everyone enjoys the same nutritious meals together. If he sees you enjoying healthy foods, he may be more inclined to do the same.

Involve Him in Meal Planning: Children are often more excited to eat when they have some control. Let him choose between two healthy meal options or help you prepare his plate.

5. Consult a Pediatrician or Therapist:

If nail-biting persists or seems to be linked to anxiety or stress, it may be helpful to talk to a pediatrician or child psychologist. They can help identify any underlying emotional or behavioral issues and provide strategies to address them.

Similarly, if the problem with food preferences continues, a pediatrician can provide additional guidance and check if there are any nutritional deficiencies or sensory issues that need to be addressed.

Patience is key with children, and gradual, positive reinforcement can help them adopt better eating and self-care habits.

#asktheexpert Mt son does not like eating healthy food he always asks for yummy food . His toes nails has cuts and bite his hand nails . please some thing