Every parent gets frustrated and worried when night after night their children barely eat at dinner time, complain about the food or are picky eaters. Why do children lose interest in food at dinner? The answer is complex and not only involves what is served but also with whom they eat, the environment and the habits built around mealtimes. This article explores the reasons kids lose interest in food and what families can do to foster healthy eating habits.
Dinner is not just a mere meal; it is a time when families come together to share how their day went, discuss any eventful happenings during the day, and, most importantly, model healthy eating habits.
Research has shown that kids who regularly eat dinner with their families have healthy eating habits. A study showed that third-graders who ate with their families five or more times a week ate meals regularly, consumed more fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods and dairy products. The likelihood of eating only what they liked or skipping meals was lower. Family dinners encouraged children to try new foods, and they were less likely to become picky eaters.
Meal structure plays a significant role, wherein parents who eat with their children, share the same meal and minimize distractions (e.g. toys, mobile or TV), find it easier to feed, and kids do not refuse to eat. Kids are more receptive to trying new foods and do not become averse to eating when mealtimes are calm, consistent and focused on eating.
Between 18-24 months, kids are wary of trying new foods and become picky eaters. This wears off as they grow, especially by gentle encouragement and frequent exposure to different foods. However, when children vomit, gag or are distressed on exposure to certain foods, it represents true food aversion and requires professional help as their diet becomes severely limited.
As kids are still developing their senses, they become sensitive to the smell, texture or the sound of certain foods. For example, they may prefer soft foods to crunchy foods. Children with food allergies or acid reflux may have had bad experiences with certain foods, which prevents them from trying them again.
According to Paediatricians, bribing or threatening children during mealtime (e.g. no ice cream until dinner is finished) can make kids anxious and disinterested in food. These tactics make children consider treats as rewards, reducing the value of healthy meal choices.
When children eat processed snacks close to dinner time, they lose their appetite and do not eat properly when the actual mealtime arrives.
Kids are curious and independent by nature. Pressurizing them to eat certain foods often leads to resistance and unwillingness to try new food items. When kids are allowed to decide what to eat and how much to eat (e.g. choice between two vegetables), they show interest and are less likely to refuse food.
When the same foods are served continuously and presented in an unappealing way, kids become bored. Small children require multiple exposures (more than 10) before they accept a new food. So, if the same food is served in different and attractive ways, they may become interested in trying a new food item.
TV, mobile, and toys at the table distract kids from their food and their own hunger cues, increasing food refusal and a lack of focus on their meal.
A rushed dinner or forcing kids to eat even when they are full, makes children anxious, and they refuse to eat.
When kids do not have fixed meal times or eat on the go, their appetite goes down, and they do not eat well.
Paediatricians believe, dinner time is an opportunity for your child to build a relationship with food. Modeling good eating habits, a calm environment, involving kids in meal preparation and respecting their choices and appetite can transform the meal into a positive experience. Give children the time to explore and enjoy a variety of foods, helping them develop healthy eating habits for a lifetime.
If you’re concerned about your child’s eating habits or nutritional needs, expert guidance can make all the difference. At Kauvery Hospital, with branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, our paediatricians and nutrition specialists are here to support your family in developing healthy, lifelong eating habits. Reach out to us for comprehensive care and personalized solutions for your child’s well-being.
Kids may refuse dinner due to snacking too close to mealtime, repetitive or unattractive meals, distractions like TV and mobiles, or pressure from parents. A tense dining atmosphere or irregular routines can also reduce their appetite.
Regular family dinners encourage children to eat balanced meals, including fruits, vegetables, proteins, and dairy. Kids are more open to trying new foods when they see parents modeling healthy eating at the same table.
Consistent mealtimes without toys, TV, or mobile phones help children focus on food. When parents share the same meal, kids are less likely to resist food and more willing to try different tastes and textures.
Parents can spark interest by involving children in planning and cooking, offering variety, presenting food in fun or attractive ways, and including at least one favorite item. Creating calm, positive conversations at the table also keeps kids engaged.
Bribing or threatening kids makes them anxious and reduces the value of nutritious meals. Over time, children may associate treats as rewards and ignore healthy options, which can lead to picky eating habits.
If a child vomits, gags, or shows distress when exposed to certain foods, it may signal true food aversion. Paediatricians and nutrition specialists can provide strategies to expand the child’s diet safely and support long-term healthy eating.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Vadapalani & Radial Road), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 40504050 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 68011
