Child's appetite at breakfast

The child may not be hungry upon waking. It is better to offer food without being forceful, consider the overall balance, and seek advice if the lack of appetite persists or causes concern.

Morning meal as a power struggle

It is 7:35 a.m., the backpack is not yet closed, and your child stares at the bowl as if it were an Olympic event. You insist, he refuses, you get frustrated... and the day begins with shouting.

Breakfast and energy

The Health Insurance reminds that breakfast provides energy for the morning. But this does not mean that this meal should become a power struggle. Respecting the sensations of hunger and fullness is also part of nutritional education, without making it a universal medical rule applicable to all situations.

Reasons for refusing breakfast

And if the problem mainly comes from the morning routine? A refusal to eat breakfast does not always mean "I don't like anything" or "I'm being difficult." It can also mean: I'm still sleepy, I'm stressed, I don't have time, the atmosphere is tense, or I simply am not hungry at this hour.

Morning routine and eating habits

The first question to ask is very concrete: does the child have a few minutes to wake up? Does the meal come immediately after waking up, in a rush? Is there a screen on that distracts attention, or on the contrary a constant pressure on what he must eat? A calm breakfast, seated, without a screen, with a bit of time to spare, can help the child eat more calmly.

Offering food options

It may also be useful to offer a small quantity rather than a bowl "to finish." A piece of bread, a yogurt, a sliced fruit, a few simple cereals: the idea is to open a possibility, not to win a battle. Textures also matter: some children accept a solid food better than a milk bowl, or the reverse.