Top reasons why your child does not eat

                                                 

Worried about your child not eating enough?

Healthy nutrition is the priority of every mother. But when a child does not eat properly, it becomes a cause of worry. Let's check out probable reasons why your child does not eat.

Top reasons Why Your Child Does Not Eat

He does not like the smell, taste or appearance of the food. When introduced for the first time the child may not be tempted to eat the new dish as his sensory organs disapprove it. No need to worry this phase shall go away naturally, just be patient!

   
He has had enough of snacks. Snacking just before dinner time often results in no eating on the dinner table. So watch out if your kid runs for snacks, probably he is hungry and needs to be served meal earlier than others.

Sometimes, kids are too tired that all they want is rest. Check if your kid is rubbing his eyes and lying low, then it's better to give him enough sleep. He will make up for the skipped meal next time!

CLICK HERE: How to make your child eat healthy meals happily?


Too much pressure on the child to eat results in withdrawal. So it's better to cool off and let the child naturally accept your choice of foods.

The child has stomach issues. Often the kid does not understand that he has stomach problems such as constipation and therefore, not tempted to eat anything. This issue is difficult to diagnose. Observe your child carefully if he has a stomach problem, resolve that first and you will see the difference in his appetite.

Food allergy is another reason that your child does not eat properly or is selective. 

Restrictions on what to eat and what not can be boring or irritating. Probably you need to be innovative to attract them to the table instead of labeling them as a fussy eater.

The child probably cannot chew or does not know how to chew and thus spill out half-eaten food.

The child is not keeping well and hence loses her appetite. As soon as she becomes well, she will gain interest in eating.

Slow growth is another reason for not eating especially among toddlers. When their growth picks up, their picky eating habit will diminish.

Kids on formula foods often avoid normal foods of different tastes in comparison to the kids who are nurtured on breastmilk.

Distractions like that of television interfere with the normal eating routine of a child. So let the kid focus on his plate and distractions can wait!   

 

Sometimes, its just a phase when a kid is obsessed with a particular kind of food or taste. Be patient, your fussy eater kid will overcome this habit and develop taste for new foods.

Check your eating habits first. Yes, it is important coz the child will imitate what you will do. So drop your bad habit of snacking or skipping a meal or being too choosy before you complain of your child's habits. Got it?

Now, you know why reasons why your child does not eat. So, just be innovative and patient while your fussy eater turns a happy eater.

5 Things to avoid in your child's presence

Kids are fast learners than you can think. Whatever you do or speak gets imprinted on their minds and you can soon find them doing or saying the same. Scary, no? There are certain things which you would not like them to learn and do. For that you will have to avoid the following things in your child's presence:

Parenting Tips- 5 things to Avoid in Your Child's Presence

Yelling at each other

Getting mad at something or at someone happens with everyone. And at that moment, we let our emotions blurt out.

Avoid losing temper and yelling in front of kids.

However, for parents, losing your temper and yelling at each other is certainly a bad example for kids. Try to maintain your composure even in adverse situations. That ways your kid will also learn to handle his emotions and situations calmly.


Acting sarcastically

A good sense of humor adds so much fun to conversations. A little bit of teasing or pulling someone else's leg is normal as well.

However, making fun of somebody sarcastically or letting someone down may not go down well with your kid. Your kids have high regard for you and the only way to retain that respect is through respectful behavior for others. Choose your words carefully and act in the way you expect from others.


Think before you utter your next fib

As parents, we want our kids to imbibe the best values like honesty, courtesy, etc. But when it comes to ourselves, telling small lies seems okay as it makes our life convenient at times. However, there is a flip side to this.

Fibs may be entertaining for you but in the long run, you are teaching your kids that telling lies is okay. So, be honest and genuine as far as possible in front of your kids. Your actions set the foundation for your kid's behavior.

                              
Hooked to internet
                               

Social media has become part and parcel of our daily life. In fact, it helps us to stay connected with friends and family.

But, too much online connection with distant friends may result in disconnection with your own kids. Moreover, you need to set a good example in front of your kids by way of spending quality time with them both indoors and outdoors.

                              Related post: Children deserve your quality time

Using shameful words in front of kids

Using curse words has become'in' somehow. Many of us use these words to express our feelings on various occasions. Do we really need to use these words?

If you want your child not to use particular words then you need to check yourself first while talking to someone over the phone or arguing with the neighbor and other situations. The kids pick these words fast and may become a part of their habit.



                               Related post: Raise optimistic and happy kids

5 things you need to say to your kid daily

Your munchkin may be too small to say what he wants or wants to hear from you. However, he understands how you feel for him, through your actions and words or maybe the absence of these. Certain words have a deep impact on the psyche of a child. By saying certain words you may build the bond or tarnish it for life!!

Probably you may not have realized but if you say these special words daily to your kids, it will have a positive impact on them. They are surely going to love you more when you mean what you say.

5 things you need to say to your kid daily

Good morning, dear

Morning time is full of chaos and confusion especially if you have school going kids. However, find a couple of minutes to cuddle and hug your kid while you are waking her. It will be a lovely way to start her day with a smile, warmth, and love.

                              Related post: Raise happy and optimistic kids

Thank you so much

Whenever your kid follows your guidelines, completes the allotted task, or modifies his ways than saying " thank you" is the best way to show your appreciation and gratitude. Needless to say, the child will himself imbibe this value in his life.

Please

Yes, parents need to say" please" to kids. Your polite response will have a far-reaching positive impact on children than any other way such as yelling which leads to nowhere.


Sorry

Be prompt to say sorry to your child whenever you feel you are not able to fulfill your promise or you have committed a mistake. It brings you closer to your kid and sets a good example of ideal behavior for your child. Its a symbol of strength and not a weakness of your personality.

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Good night

No matter how much you are exhausted and in a hurry to hit the bed, always pay a visit to your child's room and wish him good night. Just remind him that you always love him.

                                Related post: Quality time for kids

Essential Gardening Tool for your Kids

Do you want your little one to develop a wonderful hobby called gardening? For that, it is important to make it interesting for the kid. Else, getting the child to like gardening can prove to be very difficult. An important part of this exercise is equipping your child with the correct gardening tools which are easy to use as well as light in weight appropriate to your child’s age. 

Essential Gardening Tool for your kids to have

Here’s a list of the essential tools which you should get for the kid so that gardening becomes enjoyable for him/her and he/she can help around in the garden.

The wheelbarrow – Do get a bright-colored one that is easy to move around so that your little one can carry the little pots or dry leaves without any inconvenience.  

Hand Gloves – Get a leather-palmed pair that offers adequate protection against thorns and rough edges so that your kid’s little hands remain clean and un-injured.

Rake & showel – Since these can be dangerous tools, get small ones. Also, ensure that the material is not too heavy for them to work around in the garden.

Birdhouse – To draw the child to the garden, you do need bugs and birds in your garden. In order to attract flying birds, it is suggested to have a birdhouse.


 You may either make one yourself or get a ready-to-assemble birdhouse and paint it in bright colors.

Watering Can – Your kid can water their little plants on schedule if they have a lightweight can that they can use easily to nourish the growing greens in the garden timely.

Trowel – Digging will become a fun activity with a small neon trowel that your kid will love to use. It is also easy to clean. Hence, learning to grow will be like digging your way through the ground!

13PCS Mini Garden Scissor Planting Shovel Gardening Tools

 

Water sprinkler – It will be quite convenient for your baby’s little hands to water the potted plants on his/her own. So, the water sprinkler will prove to be handy and must-have equipment in the gardening kit for your kid.

Apron – Gardening will involve letting your kid go out in the dirt and dig and plant to learn the art of gardening. As they say, stains are good! So, let them enjoy the process and the apron shall protect the clothes from stains and dirt.

So buy these gardening tools for your kids and develop an eco-friendly habit in them through gardening. And there, your little master is ready to grow in the garden!!

Related post-

Gardening- A Life Skills Teacher for Kids

Encouraging kids for gardening

Gardening is a great experience and it is never too early to pass the joy of gardening to your little one. Plus, in this era where children prefer to be indoors, it can be a great way to stay outdoors, learn about nature, and make some friends. The challenge for the parents is getting their kid to involve and build long-lasting connections between gardening and kids.

Smart Tips for Encouraging Kids for Gardening

Make it interesting – For engagement of kids, the fun angle is really important. So, do take their opinion and keep their interests in mind. Kids find an activity interesting when their ideas are considered and implemented.

                                          

Encourage kids for gardening and make them eco-friendly.

Give them their kit – You can gift your child with a gardening kit on their birthday or a festival. The tools should be appropriate to their size and strength. A lot of bright colored options are available in the market. Do include a watering can since children love playing with water.

Choose plants that are easy to grow – Tomatoes, mini cucumbers, peas, radishes, and sunflowers are easy options which will grow relatively faster. Cumbersome plants initially will dissuade the kids from engaging further.

Assign a section of the gardening area – You may even assign a section of the area to them which will inculcate ownership and responsibility among the kids with respect to the maintenance of their space.

Fun activities in the garden – Get involved with the kids to make handicrafts that will get them interested. A birdhouse is an interesting idea. You can also reuse/ recycle discarded CDs, foil, brooms to make scarecrows. Ice-cream sticks can be used to name the plants. Old tires can be used as plant protectors. Besides, you can also paint pots together. The kids can be motivated to grow plants in them.

Plant flowers – Flowers attract ladybugs and butterflies. Children are intrigued by natural insects and flying creatures so this will encourage them to spend some time in the garden with these friends of nature.

Have planting competitions – A competition among kids for planting flowers or cucumbers is a great idea to get them going. Guide them in the process and see how they fare.

Show kids how to compost – It is a learning experience for kids to see how waste things from the kitchen can be used in the garden and help in the growth and development of the plants.

                                  

Let the little ones do the watering – Yes, since kids love to play with water, they shall lovingly take up this task. Make a watering schedule and enjoy seeing the eco-friendly kids do the homework.

Gift your child this beautiful connection with nature.

Read more:

Essential gardening tools for your kid

Gardening and kids

Gardening – A life skills teacher for kids

Gardening can be a hobby for many and a full-time occupation for some. However, for kids, gardening can be a life skills teacher though, inculcating an interest in gardening might be a challenge for any parent. If you are still not sure about the benefits of teaching your kid the art of gardening, read on to know why the connection between gardening and kids is so important.

Valuable Takeaways for kids through Gardening

Patience – Patience is indeed a virtue that is put into practice while planting the seeds, waiting for them to germinate, providing it with the right nutrition and finally seeing your efforts bear fruit. Hence, gardening will help your kid understand that often they need to be patient to get desired results.         
                        

Gardening with kids- so many benefits to reap!

Discovering new things – For kids, nature can be like a box of surprises where they discover how does it feel to interact with Mother Nature, how waste from the kitchen can act as a fertilizer for the plants and the worms make growing to happen. Or how new plants can grow from the seeds of the fruits of the old plants.

Hope – Along with patience, hope is another life skill learned through gardening. When you involve your little one in planting a tomato plant, they will hope to have red tomatoes in some time. Parents do need to be vigilant and help the kids to obtain positive results initially so that they can learn to hope for the best with the efforts put in.

                         Garden Hanging Pot Planters,Plant Container - Set of 6

Admiration for nature – Gardening teaches the kids to love nature and its elements. Be it the flowers, butterfly, or the ladybug or even the worms, each one has its importance in the chain of nature.

Being responsible – Another lesson for the kids who engage in gardening is responsibility. Watering the plants on a timely basis, fertilizing, keeping away pests from the plants, etc., develops ownership amongst the kids.            

making kids responsible and hardworking with gardening

Learning to go green – With lifestyle getting busier across the generations, pollution is also increasing. Therefore, gardening emphasizes the need to enjoy the blessings of nature, go green, and advocates the growth of plants and vegetables around us. The activity helps them to become eco-friendly kids.

Growing your own food - Growing your own veggies in your own garden and relishing them too is fun for sure. It’s motivating for kids to grow for self-use and learn to enjoy the fruits of their hard work.

Growth is a result of hard work – Gardening teaches this important lesson of life – that growth in one’s life is not possible without hard work and effort.

With so many life skills to imbibe, kids must be involved in gardening.  So, get set go…learn while you grow!   

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Ways to make kids eco-friendly

Essential Gardening tool for kids

Eco friendly ways to clean post-festival mess

Festivities and celebrations are in full swing. Digging into sweets, buying clothes for kids and family, decorating the house, gifting to loved ones- all these are part of festivals. How about being socially responsible for this festive season? If it is a ‘thumbs up’ from you, there is no dearth of the various ways to go about the after-festivity cleanup in an environment-friendly manner.

Eco-friendly ways to clean the post-festival mess

Not everything needs to be disposed of after festivals are over. Several things can find a place in your home in a distinct way, check how-

Use the colored sawdust and flowers as mulch

Re-use the sawdust 

The colored sawdust and flowers that beautify the rangoli / colorful decoration of your home floor can also fertilize your garden area after rotting. Spread it evenly in the space adding nitrogen fertilizer to it for the nitrogen consumed by the micro-organisms during the rotting process.

Use decorative items to adorn your home space 

The ornaments from the idols created in festivals can be re-used for fancy dress competitions of your children or even to decorate the dollhouse of your daughter. The titbits prove very handy while making handicraft items with kids. 

                                                  

Vegetable peels make great compost material

The delicacies that you prepare for your loving kids during the festivities comprise a variety of vegetables and fruits. The peels of these make very effective and natural compost for growing plants, trees, and vegetables. So make your soil fertile at the expense of waste organic material!

Comfortable sawdust bed for your pet 

The colored sawdust of rangoli can also be used to keep your pet comfortable. You can either spread it over the sleeping area of your pet or fill it in a piece of cloth and sew it to make comfortable bedding.

Repurpose mud lamps

Whether the plain mud ones or the terracotta ones, they can be reused for lighting near the tulsi plant (holy basil) or in the prayer room for daily worship.

The lamps can also be painted by kids and can serve as a decorative piece to brighten up your home as well as your backyard.  

Don’t throw, donate food instead

With so many families and children sleeping hungry and suffering from malnutrition, throwing away food is a bad idea. Instead, donate the cooked leftovers. There are a number of NGOs that collect extra food and distribute it to the needy.

With these post-festival eco-friendly cleanup measures, you and your kids can surely add value to each celebration. Pledge to enjoy the festive season responsibly, safely, and fully; sharing smiles!

Read more:

Benefits of making kids eco friendly