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Answers to your questions health prevention Nutrition

Contents validated by the physicians of the Scientific College of the Ramsay Health Foundation

Why is it important not to force children to finish their food?

Categories FAQ
Nutrition
Skipping a meal / Finishing your plate

Children generally regulate their food intake according to their needs. So if your child is a small eater, don't worry as long as his or her growth curve is satisfactory. However, it's important to maintain a good balance between foods. Respect his tastes and preferences, and don't risk turning mealtime into a moment of conflict between you and him. If he refuses a food, don't insist (it could disgust him), replace it with a food from the same family, and try to offer him the refused food again a few days later. Don't hesitate to consult your doctor, who can refer you to a specialist if necessary.


For further information, we recommend that you consult :

- The MangerBouger.fr website
- The Santé Publique France website, and its nutrition and physical activity section
- The ANSES website (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail), and its section on food and human nutrition.
- The French Nutrition Society website
- The report of the PNNS, Programme Nationale de Nutrition et Santé (2018-2023), which defines all nutritional recommendations.

Nutrition

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