For resolving the problem of lack of appetite in children, it is important to first identify the underlying cause. Lack of appetite can be due to illness or environmental factors. Among environmental factors, examples include giving the child portion sizes larger than they need, pressuring the child during meals, not allowing the child to have a say in food choices, and the appearance of the food.

Children can easily be exposed to microorganisms and frequently encounter illnesses. During these periods when they have a lack of appetite, do not force them to eat full plates of food. Instead, focus on increasing their intake of vitamins and minerals to strengthen their immune system and provide them with fluids to compensate for the loss. Fruits and freshly squeezed fruit juices can be preferred. Meals can consist of nourishing soups and yogurt in small portions.

However, if the lack of appetite is due to environmental factors, there is always an underlying issue causing it. Starting from the introduction of complementary feeding after 6 months, your child begins to familiarize themselves with foods. During this process, every behavior of the parents is crucial in preventing any prejudice against food and ensuring that the child does not become a picky eater. It is important for the child to become acquainted with every food, but they should be introduced to foods one by one. If there is no taste compatibility in mixtures, the child may refuse the food. Portions should be small. Liquid foods can quickly fill up the stomach, so slightly thicker consistencies can be used, such as fruit puree, yogurt, and vegetable puree. As time passes, the amount and portions of food they consume will increase. Parents should not have the fear that their child will not be satisfied if the portions are small. Allowing the child to try to eat on their own as they grow up is important. Nutrition is a basic necessity, and seeing that they can achieve it on their own positively affects the child’s appetite. However, children whose meals are constantly prepared by their parents may reject food due to the constant pressure they feel. Television, computer, tablet, phone, or any other distracting factor should not be present while eating. The focus during mealtime should solely be on eating, and children should be introduced to table manners, which will increase their appetite.

Children do not only like sweet flavors. Everything that the mother eats shapes the child’s taste preferences. Therefore, the period between 6 and 12 months is important. After these periods, children who experience a lack of appetite should be given freedom when it comes to food. The child should be allowed to decide on the food and the amount they want to eat. Sometimes, just the desire to make their own decisions can lead them to refuse food. The child’s mealtime should coincide with the family’s mealtime. Eating together at the table encourages the child’s desire to eat. When there is a food they do not like, alternative foods that can replace it can be offered. For example, a child who does not like milk should not be forced to drink milk every morning. They may prefer to consume yogurt or buttermilk. Cheese can be an alternative for a child who does not want to eat eggs. Instead of disliked vegetables, different varieties of vegetables that the child enjoys can be cooked, or vegetables can be consumed within meatballs or in soup. A child who does not like meat may prefer to eat meatballs.

Child nutrition is important for their continued growth and development. Sometimes, a child may appear lack of appetite or thin compared to their parents, but they may actually be going through a normal growth and development process. Parents may interpret the child’s appetite based on their own eating habits. However, children have smaller stomach capacities than adults. It is appropriate to ask the doctor to evaluate whether the child is truly lacking appetite and is thin. If there is a nutritional deficiency that could hinder their growth, a nutrition program and recommendations can be developed under the guidance of a dietitian.