#asktheexpert
my daughter is 1 yr 7 months old and she is not gaining weight nor she wants to eat anything properly.only what should I do

Question

#asktheexpert 
my daughter is 1 yr 7 months old and she is not gaining weight nor she wants to eat anything properly.only what should I do

Accepted Answer

If your 1-year-7-month-old daughter is not gaining weight and is refusing to eat properly, it can be concerning. Here are some tips to help encourage healthy weight gain and eating habits:

Offer Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of large meals, offer smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. Kids at this age may be overwhelmed by large portions, so breaking them into smaller, manageable meals may help.

Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: Offer high-calorie, nutritious foods like full-fat yogurt, avocado, cheese, eggs, and nut butters. Foods like these can help her gain weight while also providing essential nutrients.

Create a Relaxed Mealtime Environment: Make mealtime a positive experience without pressure. Sometimes, children may refuse food if they sense stress or pressure around eating. Let her explore her food and eat at her own pace.

Make Food Fun: Try making meals fun by using colorful foods, fun shapes, or arranging the food in an interesting way to keep her engaged. This can encourage her to try different foods.

Be Patient and Consistent: If she's not eating much, try to be patient and consistent. It can take time for children to develop an interest in eating, but they often pick up new eating habits over time.

Include a Variety of Textures: Offer foods with different textures to see if she has a preference. Some kids may prefer soft foods, while others may prefer crunchy options.

Avoid Excessive Juices or Milk: While milk is important for nutrition, offering too much can fill her up and reduce her appetite for solid foods. Ensure she's drinking a balanced amount.

Encourage Self-Feeding: Allow her to feed herself with finger foods or use utensils to increase her involvement in mealtime. This can make eating more enjoyable for her.

Monitor Growth and Health: Keep an eye on her growth chart and consult with a pediatrician if her weight continues to remain stagnant. The pediatrician can assess for any underlying health issues like food intolerances or growth concerns.

Consider a Multivitamin or Supplement: If you're concerned about her nutrition, you might consider discussing a multivitamin or supplement with your pediatrician to ensure she’s getting all the necessary nutrients.

If her appetite issues persist, it's important to consult a pediatrician to rule out any potential underlying health conditions like digestive issues, food allergies, or other factors affecting her appetite and weight gain.

Accepted Answer

Dealing with a stubborn child can be challenging, but with patience and consistent strategies, you can guide them more effectively. Here are some tips to help manage stubborn behavior:

Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate your expectations and consequences for actions. This helps your child understand boundaries and the importance of following them.

Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior with praise, stickers, or extra privileges. Positive reinforcement encourages your child to repeat good behavior.

Offer Choices: Stubborn children often resist commands. Instead of giving orders, offer them choices. For example, "Do you want to wear the red shirt or the blue one?" This gives them a sense of control while still getting them to do what you want.

Be Consistent: Consistency is key in managing stubbornness. Stick to your rules and consequences. If you give in occasionally, it can confuse your child and reinforce the stubborn behavior.

Stay Calm and Patient: When your child is being particularly stubborn, it’s important to remain calm. Avoid yelling or reacting emotionally. A calm approach will help you maintain control of the situation.

Use Timeouts or Consequences: If your child’s behavior crosses a line, use timeouts or logical consequences (e.g., losing a privilege) to show them the impact of their actions.

Model Cooperation: Show your child how to cooperate by setting an example. Let them see you work together with others and share in decision-making. Kids often mimic the behavior they observe.

Empathize with Their Feelings: Sometimes stubbornness arises from frustration. Acknowledge their feelings, like "I know you're upset because you want to play, but it's time to go to bed." This can help your child feel understood and more willing to cooperate.

Pick Your Battles: Don’t engage in power struggles over every little thing. Let some minor issues slide so you can save your energy for the more important matters.

Stay Flexible: While consistency is crucial, be flexible at times. If your child’s demands are reasonable, try to accommodate them. It will show that you can compromise and aren't always rigid.

With these strategies, you'll be able to manage your child’s stubbornness more effectively while helping them learn how to express themselves in healthier ways.

#asktheexpert my daughter is 1 yr 7 months old and she is not gaining weight nor she wants to eat anything properly.only what should I do