Dr. Süreyya Paksoy, a Pediatrics Specialist at ENTO Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Medical Center, offered important advice to parents regarding children's eating habits and conflicts at the dining table.

Dr. Paksoy explained that children's selective eating and food refusal during mealtimes are often reinforced by inconsistent parental attitudes. She shared a simple yet effective strategy to help parents put an end to “mealtime battles.”

“Negotiating Shows There Are Other Options”

Dr. Paksoy noted that many parents immediately begin negotiating when their child refuses the food on the plate.

“When a three-year-old pushes away the plate and asks for something else, parents often start bargaining by saying, ‘Just one more spoonful,’ ‘What else would you like to eat?’ or ‘If you eat this, you'll get a reward later.’ These responses teach the child that there are alternative options besides what is already on the table.”

A Three-Step Formula to End Mealtime Battles

Dr. Paksoy recommends the following steps to establish healthy eating habits:

1. Set a Timer and Offer Only One Option
Set a timer for 25–30 minutes. Serve only one or two dishes. Do not provide an alternative meal or a “Plan B.”

2. Clearly Explain the Rule
Tell your child only once:

“You don't have to eat, but when the timer goes off, mealtime is over and the kitchen is closed.”

3. Remove the Plate When Time Is Up
When the timer ends, remove the plate from the table. Do not prepare another meal or engage in lengthy explanations.

“Parents Decide What to Serve; Children Decide Whether to Eat”

Dr. Paksoy emphasized that mealtime conflicts are usually caused not by the food itself but by inconsistent parenting.

“Mealtime struggles are not really about food—they result from a lack of consistency. Parents decide what food to offer, while children decide whether or not to eat it. That's how the system should work.”

(BSHA – Science and Health News Agency)

https://www.bsha.com.tr/dr-paksoydan-ebeveynlere-yemek-savasi-uyarisi-b-plani-sunmayin-kararli-olun/