Child not eating? Do THIS (9 tips from a Pediatrician)
Dr. Abdullah Bin Samak
25th May, 2025
⏱︎ 6 min read
We get it. Whenever your child refuses to eat properly. It can be concerning and frustrating. Especially when you always offer their favorite foods, Or even let them choose their own meals. But still… they barely touch their plate. They might have some snacks here and there… But a full, nutritious meal? Very rare. And now, you might be stuck wondering… “Why won’t my child eat anything?” “Why don’t they even eat their school lunches?” “What can I do to fix this?” Well, don’t worry. We’ve helped thousands of parents facing the same challenge. So, let’s dive into why this might be happening and what you can do about it.
In this Blog, You’ll Discover:
Possible reasons your child refuses to eat
Here are 4 common (but often overlooked) reasons:
1. Appetite swings due to growth
The growth phase in children isn’t steady…
It often fluctuates (and that’s completely normal)
So, during a fast growth phase, children might eat more.
But when their growth slows down, their appetite naturally drops.
Therefore, what looks like “refusal” may just be your child’s body adjusting to its needs.
2. They’re simply distracted
A noisy TV, gadgets, toys around, or even too much talking at the table — all of this can make kids lose focus during mealtime.
When their attention is elsewhere, food becomes the last thing on their mind.
3. Stress from a change in routine
Environmental changes like a new school, a recent illness, a different caregiver, or even a new sibling can make kids feel a little stressed inside.
And this stress can lower their hunger, even if they don’t talk about it.
4. Power of Imitation
Children are more likely to refuse food if they see someone else doing it, such as a sibling or parent
They learn from examples.
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What to Do When Your Child Refuses to Eat (9 Tips)
1. Stick to regular meal and snack times
How:
Serve meals and snacks at the same time every day — even if your kid eats very little.
Why it works:
A child’s hunger signals follow a routine. When meals come at the same time, their body learns to expect food and gets hungry.
2. Don’t force or beg them to eat
How:
Put the food on the plate. Let them decide how much to eat. Don’t say “just one more bite.”
Why it works:
When kids feel pressure, they resist more. Giving them control makes them feel safe and more open to trying food.
3. Cut down on snacks and drinks before meals
How:
Avoid giving snacks, milk, or juice at least 1–2 hours before main meals.
Why it works:
Too many snacks or drinks fill up a small stomach. So when it’s time for real food, your kid isn’t hungry — even if they like the meal. If your kid is not eating enough, this trick helps make room for nutritious meals.
4. Remove all the distractions during meals
How:
Turn off the TV. Put away phones and toys.
Why it works:
Distractions steal their attention from food. Focusing only on eating helps them listen to their hunger better, preventing the issue of a child not eating food during mealtime.
5. Involve your child in cooking or serving food
How:
Let them stir the soup, wash veggies, or help set the table — even just a little.
Why it works:
Kids feel proud when they help. They become more curious to try the food they helped prepare.
6. Start with very small portions
How:
Put just a spoon or two of each item on their plate. Avoid overloading.
Why it works:
A full plate can feel scary to a child with a low appetite. A small portion feels safe, and they’re more likely to eat it. If you’re wondering why my child is not eating all of their meals, try starting small and building up.
7. Don’t repeat favorite meals too often
How:
Mix things up! Rotate different meals — even if your child loves one specific food.
Why it works:
Kids can get bored easily. When the same food shows up too often, they stop enjoying it, even if it was once their favorite. This is helpful if your kid is not eating even their favorite foods properly anymore.
8. Be a calm role model at the table
How:
Eat your own food happily. Don’t argue, force, or focus too much on what they’re eating.
Why it works:
Children copy what they see. If you stay relaxed and enjoy meals, they’ll learn to do the same. This can encourage your child to eat better without the stress.
9. Be consistent, not strict
How:
Keep following the same meal habits without giving up — even if progress is slow.
Why it works:
Your child won’t change in one day. But your steady effort builds trust, and their eating improves over time.
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When to Worry and Visit the Doctor
Most of the time, it’s COMPLETELY normal for a toddler to refuse to eat, but there are times when it’s important to consult a doctor.
However, according to the Journal of Pediatrics, if your child:
- Is consistently refusing food for more than a few weeks
- Is losing weight or showing signs of malnutrition
- Has trouble swallowing or chewing food
- Shows signs of an eating disorder (like extreme anxiety around food)
It’s best to seek professional advice. A pediatrician can assess your child’s growth, development, and overall health to ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need.
Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed the 4 hidden reasons why your child may not be eating:
1. Their appetite changes as they grow
2. They might be too distracted during meals
3. Stress from routine changes can affect hunger
4. Power of imitation (Someone else rejecting a meal in front of your child)
We also gave you 9 practical tips (from a Pediatrician) to help your child eat better, even when they say no to their favorite food.
9 practical tips to make your child eat properly:
1. Stick to regular meal and snack times
2. Don’t force or beg them to eat
3. Cut down on snacks and drinks before meals
4. Remove all the distractions during meals
5. Involve your child in cooking or serving food
6. Start with very small portions
7. Don’t repeat favorite meals too often
8. Be a calm role model at the table
9. Be consistent, not strict
However…
According to the Journal of Pediatrics, if your child hasn’t eaten properly for more than a week, is losing weight, or seems stressed around food,
It’s time to see a Pediatrician.
Because these symptoms can lead to long-term health problems, like unhealthy weight loss or eating disorders.
So, don’t risk your child’s health by overlooking these symptoms…
✓ Medically reviewed by:
MBBS, RMP, FCPS, PMDC
Written by:
Dr. Abdullah Bin Samak
Medically reviewed by:
MBBS, FCPS, PMDC, RMP
Written by:
Dr. Abdullah Bin Samak
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© 2025. All rights reserved.
© 2025. All rights reserved.