Is delayed growth a long-term effect and consequences of fussy eating?
You may know that prolonged fussy eating in children may cause nutrient deficiencies and a weak immune system. It’s important we understand the typical behaviours, long term effects and consequences of fussy eating to find possible solutions.
Parents concerns about fussy eating and growth in India
As a parent, we often get worried when it comes to the right growth for our child. When his weight and height does not match his age, we often find the answers in their eating habits. Where the child accepts certain kinds of food and rejects others. This can potentially lead to children becoming fussy eaters. And parents then have to deal with the daily daunting task of persuading their fussy eater to eat ‘normal’ food. All this just adds to the stress level of parents and their child.
Before we go further, let’s understand the influence of fussy eating and growth in India, its typical behaviour, consequences, and possible solution for fussy eating kids.
What is fussing eating behaviour? Is it just a phase?
Fussy eating is not just restricted to eating less. Fussy or picky eating is usually termed for children who are unwilling to try new foods items. They also have a strong preference for certain food items, possibly avoiding some food groups.
Such fussy eating behaviours are most common during infancy or toddlerhood. But their prevalence usually peaks at about 3 years of age when the child can strongly express his unwillingness. Research suggests that fussy eating behaviour may be short-termed for some children and they may grow out. But what about the rest? For many others, it may remain an ongoing problem. Hence, it is imperative we look at our child and understand their eating habits over time.
What can be the possible consequences of fussy eating?
Apart from the daily stressful conflict between a parent and child, a prolonged fussy eating behaviour may lead to some possible serious consequences like
- Higher risk of being underweight and/or poor growth rate
- A weak immune system, which may further increase the chances of sickness or catching an infection
- Some nutrient deficiencies which may cause improper growth over time
- Possibility of impaired cognitive or emotional development of a child leading to delayed growth
- Lack of balanced and important nutrients may lead to long term health issues, including chances of being overweight
As a parent, how can you help your fussy eaters?
A report by UNICEF had mentioned that 1 in 3 kids do not get the right amount and kind of nutrition they need. As a parent, the #FirstStepToGrowRight would be getting their weight and growth tracked on a regular basis. It is important for parents to begin tracking their kid’s growth at an early stage to understand if there are any red flags related to their growth that may need detailed investigation by a paediatrician.
If there isn’t much of an issue and the height, weight and growth rate is within the expected range as prescribed by the doctor, then you may relax and stop the constant worrying if your child is a fussy eater. I also began using a Growth Tracker by PediaSure to track my son’s growth. You can also keep on tracking his/her growth on this tracker available online. It has helped me identify nutritional gaps so I can take the necessary measures at the earliest.
Simple steps to follow as a parent of a fussy eater
Another thing would be going with your parent’s intuition if you feel something isn’t right. Like if they look pale or lack energy. I would like to suggest the below solutions which have helped me a lot. With the combined effort of the tracker’s results and my intuition as a parent, I have been able to come up with these:
- Never force-feed. Kids like independence and freedom to choose what and how much they eat basis how hungry they feel. Trust their hunger and instead give them a healthy balanced nutrient-rich plate to choose from.
- Make mealtimes fun. Keep distractions like TV and phone away. Instead make mealtime a family time and bond with your child. Higher are the chances they follow you and eat what has been served on the plate.
- Include a trusted health supplement. With fussy eating, it’s quite possible that even the home-cooked balanced meal may not take care of their nutritional requirements. This gap can be easily compensated with a glass of PediaSure daily. It has 37 nutrients and ensures your child gets complete and balanced nutrition to help boost their immunity in this growing age.
So, what are some of the ways that you deal with a fussy eater at home?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
© GUNJAN GUPTA UPADHYAY. UNAUTHORIZED USE OR DUPLICATION OF THIS MATERIAL WITHOUT EXPRESS AND WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. ANsY EXCERPTS OR LINKS TO BE USED, PROVIDED FULL AND CLEAR CREDIT IS PROVIDED WITH PROPER LINKS TO GUNJAN GUPTA UPADHYAY OR TUGGUNMOMMY.COM. THIS IS TO BE DONE WITH THE RIGHT AND SPECIFIC DIRECTION TO THE ORIGINAL CONTENT.
DISCLAIMER –
THE CONTENT IS NOT AT ALL INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ANY PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT YOU ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR ANOTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING A MEDICAL CONDITION.
****THIS IS A SPONSORED BLOG POST AND A PART OF A PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN BY PEDIASURE INDIA. THE POST IS MEANT TO SHARE EXPERIENCE THE long term consequences of fussy eating and growth in India. also how as a parent, we can deal with it.
The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the author. They do not reflect the views of any brand. Any omissions or errors at the author’s end does not assume any liability or responsibility on any party mentioned in the blog.
For fussy eaters its really difficult to give proper nutrition. I always suggest to give Pediasure because it boosts up the child’s growth.
Love how you bring focus on not to force feed. The Indian style of nurturing for very long believed in this. Times are changing and so is the way of nurturing.
My daughter is a fussy eater. And dislikes to take her meals. I needed to read this post badly. Thanks for sharing.
Thankfully both my kids are not fussy eaters but yes they have their preferences. They eat what is served to them. But ya I still include them in kitchen work and cooking to make meal tme fun for them. Also my kids love to help set up the table which again adds into their excitement of stirring together to eat.
This is a wonderful post. My daughter is such a fussy eater and gives me and my wife a hard time sometimes. Your tips are so useful; I’d apply these to see the difference.
I am a mom of two fussy eaters and believe me my life is is hell with stress and concern! This is an informative post.
Fussy eating is one of the biggest concern of parents. This article throws light on so many grey areas.
I understand that my daughter is fussy eater and my son happy to eat anything. I am always worried for my daughter.
I liked the tips u have shared for fussy eater kids. Pedi aside is a trusted brand & all parents are raving about it.
Making meal time a fun filled one is actually one of the best ideas to tackle fussy eaters. Loved your post.
Making meal time fun is. Great way to make kids enjoy meal time. PediaSure is a good health supplement for kids
. Thanks for the tips suggested by you. Fussy eating by kids has been a major issue that most of parents have faced. It’s very important to make sure our kids get all the nutrients and pediasure is surely gives a boost to that.
I can understand this as I am a very fussy eater and I am facing the consequences till now. It is very important to have a good food regime and I wish I had not been so fussy about eating.
Fussy eating affects a lot. And these tips are really helpful to create a good lifestyle.
Every mother would have had a tough time.with her child fussy food time. You have narrated a few important points. Especially making mealtimes fun. Yes it is imperative.
It’s really hard to provide proper nutrition to kids who don’t want to eat easily. Pediasure growth tracker is really helpful for tracking kids growth
Deep within I do feel that delay in growth of kids is due to the lack of nutrition and usually when the kids are fussy they avoid all things healthy. So its important as parents we work upon the fussiness and ensure proper nutrition
fussy eating starts with early age and parents can make variety of dishes from the same ingredient, if child does not like it in any form then kids slowly develop taste on later age but the gap remains. The supplement help us to fill that gap and gives child the required nutrition.
Thankfully my kids are not a fussy eaters but yes they have their preferences in taste and likes…. but as a mom their nutrition is always on my mind as I keep a tab on what have they eaten in the day and what needs to be added in their diet. Pediasure is a part of their daily intake too.
Great tips dear. yes pediasure is a great brand, I had used it personally and had a great experience with it. it is a great way to add proper nutrition in kids’s routine diet.
Parents of fussy eaters have the hardest time getting them the required nutrition for their right growth. This tracker is indeed a great way to keep track.
I agree with you, Gunjan. The first step to grow right is to track our child’s growth and understand the relation between growth parameters. When you can spot the nutritional gaps you will be able to take the right actions.
These are some great tips to tackle fussy eater at home. I can actually relate to prolonged displeasing pleading by me to my son for eating food. Thanks for suggestions and yes I am giving him PediaSure.
I wonder if it is the quality of raw produce going down that alters the taste of our food or the availability of too many high salt and high sugar options that are addictive in nature , either ways , kids are getting fussy about eating home -made food and it can be cause for worry and can affect their all round development.
Most kids are fussy eaters these days. They need to be disciplined to eat regular meals. Especially nowadays when immunity is top priority. Pediasure is a great supplement for active and healthy kids.
Healthy food is the way to healthy lifestyle… And yes even I give pediasure for my daughter which is really worth giving.
I believe kids fussiness towards eating habits start due to several reasons. One of the biggest reasons that I can think of is when parents give them too many food choices. When they know that they have options then they are more likely to show their tantrums. I agree with not forcing them. Roe modeling also play a big role. When the entire family eats same food and make heathy choices, automatically kids get accustomed to that.
Liked all your tips and making sure that we practice what we preach is very important as well. Even I use PediaSure for my kid to fulfill the nutrition on daily basis.
Good tips. I also think we should set a good example for them by eating healthy and taking care of our health too.