Childrens health may suffer if their parents fail to receive adequate help with mealtime problems. Di Hampton explains how you can refer them for specialist advice
When children enjoy their food and eat well, mealtimes can be pleasurable, sociable occasions for everyone. However, for many families with children aged under five, the experience is quite different. Mealtimes can be more like battlegrounds, and parents become distressed and demoralised by the constant challenge to ensure the healthy growth and development of their child.
This is much more than faddy eating, and if the difficulties are not resolved it is possible that a childs centile chart will show that their weight is beginning to be affected and their growth is faltering. If the weight drops through two centile spaces then it is time for professional help to assess the situation.
Despite the prevalence of faltering growth (previously known as failure to thrive) in children, the services available to families vary considerably.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
