Children’s rejection of healthy food … a global problem and practical solutions for mothers

A familiar scene in many homes: a dish full of vegetables and fruits in front of the child, but it refuses to eat it and perhaps crying or stubbornly. Studies indicate that 40% of children under five do not get enough vegetables and fruits daily, while 31% of them are classified as selective children in food.

Dr. Saher Al -Muhammadi (Professor of therapeutic Health) explains that the refusal of healthy food is not just a “transient mood”, but rather a phenomenon that has multiple reasons, most notably:
Child sensitivity to flavors and textures (such as broccoli or spinach).
His desire for independence and self -proving.
Previous negative experiences with coercion on food.
– The effect of the family environment, as the child imitates parents ’customs.
External temptations of processed foods and ready -made sweets.

Practical solutions for mothers:
Patience and repetition: Show food in attractive ways and without pressure.
– Involving the child: in choosing and preparing food.
– The role model: that the child sees his parents enjoying healthy food.
Diversity: presenting the ingredient itself in various forms (soup, salad, juice).
Positive atmosphere: Make food time a fun moment, not a struggle.
Health alternatives: replace artificial sweets with fruits, honey or yogurt.

The goal is not to turn healthy eating into a “heavy duty”, but rather to an interesting activity that links the family and gives children health and happiness in the long run.