Possible risks and solutions

Eating is one of the areas in which children can develop independence, which in turn can improve their self-esteem, self-confidence and motor skills.

However, there are also risks associated with allowing children to eat alone, such as the risk of choking, lack of interest in food, and unhealthy food choices. Below, these risks will be discussed in more detail, and solutions will be offered to minimize the risks and encourage independence in feeding children.

Choking risk

One of the greatest risks associated with allowing children to eat alone is the risk of choking. Young children can easily choke on soft foods, such as pieces of fruit or bread. In addition, foods that are sticky or difficult to chew, such as candy or gummies, can be especially dangerous.

Solution: It is important to supervise children while they eat and make sure they are seated in a high chair or firm chair with a high back. It is advisable to avoid giving small, hard foods, such as nuts, and instead offer foods that are soft and easy to chew. Food can also be cut into small pieces to reduce the risk of choking.

Lack of interest in food

Another risk associated with allowing children to eat alone is that they may lose interest in food. If children are not interested in the food offered to them, they are less likely to eat enough and stay healthy.

Solution: To encourage children's interest in food, it is important to offer a variety of healthy and visually appealing foods. In addition, children can be involved in the food shopping and preparation process, which can increase their interest and enthusiasm for eating.

Unhealthy food choices

By allowing children to eat on their own, there is also a risk that they will make unhealthy food choices. If given too much freedom in food choices, children may opt for foods high in fats, sugars and calories, rather than healthy, nutritious foods.

Solution: To prevent children from making unhealthy food choices, it is important to set limits and offer healthy options. For example, healthy choices can be offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner, such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Unhealthy choices, such as sweets and sugary drinks, can also be limited to ensure that children eat a balanced diet.

Messy eating

Another risk associated with allowing children to eat alone is messiness. Children can be messy by going about the risks and solutions in child autonomy in eating, another possible risk is that the child may choke or choke while eating alone, especially if they have not yet fully developed their chewing and swallowing skills. It is important for parents to be present and supervise the child while eating to avoid any problems. In addition, proper chewing techniques can be taught and foods that are easy to chew and swallow can be provided.

Diseases and contagions

In terms of child autonomy in personal hygiene, a common risk is that the child will not wash his or her hands properly, which can increase the risk of illness and contagion. To avoid this, parents can teach the child the correct way to wash their hands and provide them with support tools, such as a board with pictures showing the steps to follow. It is also important to encourage the child to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet. The greatest risk is at hand from the play items our children interact with.

Personal hygiene

One of the factors most related to food and personal hygiene is the child not taking proper care of their dental hygiene, which can lead to dental and health problems in the future. To avoid this, parents can teach the child the importance of daily brushing and provide them with a soft toothbrush and age-appropriate toothpaste. They can also help the child establish a daily brushing routine and supervise them to make sure they do it correctly. It is important for parents to set realistic expectations and gradually increase the amount and complexity of the assigned tasks. They can also offer rewards and praise for a job well done to help motivate the child.