Jamshedpur, Oct. 6: Do not force your child to have food, which he does not want to have. Let him have food when he feels like it.
For, food forcibly thrust down a child’s throat only makes him detest it. Most mothers tend to force their children to eat things they do not like. This and other general aspects related to the health of a child was discussed at great length by experts at a seminar at SNTI auditorium this afternoon.
Experts feel that the practice of coaxing and cajoling a child to have food is still very much prevalent in most Indian families.
The consequences, the experts say, is an overall change in the food habits of a child. The seminar on “optimal nutrition of children” brought to light several data related to the overall health of a child.
According to Meharban Singh, former HOD, AIIMS, Delhi, out of the 12 million children of the under-five age category, who die every year in developed countries, almost 55 per cent succumb to malnutrition.
Explaining the reason for a child becoming prone to malnutrition, he said children suffer from several complications as they tend to take only 50 per cent of the recommended micronutrients.
“Cases of children with anaemia have increased alarmingly. Almost 2/3 of the children in India are suffering from anaemia,” he added.
Singh, who was the chief speaker on the occasion, also stressed upon the importance of breast feeding and the general food habits of children. According to him, the children of well-to-do and upper middle-class families are more prone to eating junk food. “Junk food have saturated fats in large quantity which increases chances of obesity in later stages of life,” Singh said. He pointed out that 50 per cent of school-going children skip their breakfast. “It is not a good sign. Breakfast is a must for the overall health of a child,” he explained.
Referring to Jamshedpur, B.R. Master, former HOD, paediatrics, Tata Main Hospital also held a similar opinion. In comparison, she added, children of lower middle-class families have more balanced food.
Master said lack of education and awareness are the basic reasons for children vying for junk food. The seminar was organised by the Jamshedpur branch of Indian Academy of Paediatrics.
