Reasons a Child Won't Eat

Healthy eating habits are essential for children, as their bodies are growing and swirling with hormones. There are many reasons your child might have stopped eating, and it is essential to seek advice from a pediatrician before attempting techniques to change behavior.

Depression

• Depression can decrease a child's appetite.

  Children can experience depression as they grow; therefore, it is important to monitor them for signs of persistent sadness. Children cope with depression in different ways, so knowing the signs and symptoms can help you get your child treatment more quickly.

  A common sign of depression in children is a change of appetite. Decreased eating habits can indicate that your child is experiencing extreme sadness. The good news is that depression is treatable. Connecting your child with a pediatrician or psychiatrist or talking with your child can begin allowing her to work through depression, getting her eating patterns back on track.

Anxiety

• Anxiety can be seen in many ways, one of which is a reduction in eating.

  The Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that one in ever eight children is affected by anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders typically coincide with depression, eating disorders and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, therefore changing your child's eating habits.

  If your child is not eating, talk openly to him about anxiety and fear. Perhaps a situation at school has made him unsettled, or maybe he is being bullied. If you see no root causes of anxiety, make an appointment with your pediatrician or psychiatrist so he can be screened for an anxiety disorder.

Power Struggles

• Power struggles can influence a child to stop eating.

  Sometimes, when children stop eating it is more about power control than it is about food. Power struggles can be common during child and adolescent years; boundaries are being tested as children desperately seek more independence. If you have noticed that your child has stopped eating, it is up to you to end the power struggle.

  Back of from nagging her about not eating, determine whether she are at the correct weight for her height, and contact your pediatrician to have her screened for a possible eating disorder or physical problem. Eliminating physical conditions can determine that the lack of eating is behavioral and can provide other techniques to work through the situation (see Resources section).

Being Spoiled

• Adding vegetables to your children's diets can be a difficult transition.

  Parents who indulge their children with unhealthy eating habits might have a hard time getting them to eat nutritious meals. Children who are spoiled with foods that are high in fat, sugars and carbohydrates can experience a difficult transition when it comes to eating vegetables, fruits and other low-fat items. If your child is refusing to eat healthy foods, transition him away from unhealthy eating habits by slowly adding fruits and vegetables, or b finding creative ways to make healthy foods more appealing (see Resources section).