Do You Feed Your Child by Showing Mobile Phone?

Feeding your child by showing mobile phone may be an easy task for you, but it has a very bad effect on his mind.

According to a study, 90 percent of children under the age of 2 eat food while watching a smartphone. Most mothers also give mobile phone to their child when he does not eat food and they feel that their work has become easy.

Nidhi Raj, who works in an IT company in Bangalore, is the mother of a one and a half year old child. She says that she tries her best not to give mobile phone to her child while feeding him. When she does not give mobile phone to her child for two-four days, then a lot of changes are seen in the child.

He learns a lot of new things on his own. If you are also doing this to make your work easy, then be careful. This can gradually become a habit of the child and can completely spoil his physical and mental health.

What is the Effect:

When a child eats while watching mobile, he is unable to understand how hungry he is and he just keeps on eating, due to which the child sometimes overeats and becomes ill.

By eating while watching mobile, the child does not enjoy the food. He is unable to understand whether the food is well cooked or not. Many times he does not even remember what he ate.

After becoming friends with the mobile, he does not need his parents. The mother is feeding him, he does not even look at her, but scrolls the mobile, which is fatal for his mental development.

Apart from this, the metabolism of the child also weakens, because he does not chew the food, but swallows it as soon as it is put in the mouth. This weakens his digestive power.

Not only this, when the child looks at the phone closely, it weakens his eyes and also has a bad effect on the brain. Along with this, the creativity of the child also decreases.

Due to watching mobile, he gets cut off from the outside things. Whatever he learns, he learns from the mobile only. He does not get a chance to learn social things.

Know the Solution Too:

If parents use mobile phones all the time in front of children or have mobile phones in their hands while eating, then children will also see and learn the same. Therefore, first improve yourself. Try something new in food all the time, so that children also enjoy it, they enjoy the food. Let them play with food, so that they can also understand the food items. Talk to children at the time of eating, show them different colors and ask them about food. This will make them enjoy eating and they will be able to identify the taste, color, smell and food. Apart from this, whatever you do during pregnancy, it affects the child and he does the same things more. In such a situation, use gadgets or screens as little as possible during pregnancy.

It’s essential for parents to be mindful of their behavior and habits, especially when it comes to technology use around children. Let’s delve into the details of fostering healthy eating habits in children and how parents can positively influence their relationship with food:

Model Healthy Behavior:

Children learn by observing their parents. If parents are constantly on their mobile phones, children will likely imitate this behavior. Therefore, parents should strive to set a positive example by limiting their own screen time and being present during family meals and interactions.

When parents prioritize face-to-face communication over screens, children learn the value of real-world connections.

Food Exploration:

• Encourage children to explore food in a playful and positive way. Allow them to touch, smell, and taste different foods.
• Introduce variety by trying new dishes and ingredients. Make mealtime enjoyable and engaging.
• Discuss the colors, textures, and flavors of different foods with your child. This helps them develop an appreciation for diverse tastes.

Engage During Meals:

• During mealtime, engage with your child. Talk about the food you’re eating, its nutritional benefits, and where it comes from.
• Show enthusiasm for meals, and involve your child in conversations. Ask questions like, “What do you think about this vegetable?” or “How does this fruit taste?”
• Create a positive association with food by making mealtimes enjoyable and interactive.

Pregnancy Impact:

• Research suggests that a mother’s behavior during pregnancy can influence her child’s development.
• Limiting screen time during pregnancy is beneficial. Excessive exposure to screens may affect fetal development and lead to behavioral patterns later in life.
• Prioritize activities that promote relaxation, bonding, and overall well-being during pregnancy.

Remember, small changes in parental behavior can have a significant impact on children’s habits and development. By being mindful of our actions, we can create a healthier environment for our kids. 🌟

Hinder in Development

Nowadays, due to more screen time, many types of diseases are increasing in children, such as autism and ADHD i.e. problems like lack of attention. Parents may have to face dire consequences in the future by feeding their children while watching the mobile. This will stop the child's development and he will become addicted to watching the mobile. He will even start to think that this is the right way to eat and will start considering the virtual world more real than the social world. Therefore, the younger you try to reduce their screen time, the better it will be for the child's development.

Let’s delve into the details of how excessive screen time can hinder a child’s development and what parents can do to mitigate these effects:

Health Implications:

• Autism and ADHD: While the exact causes of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are complex and multifactorial, excessive screen time has been associated with an increased risk of these conditions.
• Lack of Attention: Prolonged exposure to screens can lead to reduced attention spans and difficulty focusing. Children who spend excessive time on screens may struggle with sustained attention in other areas of life.

Parental Behavior Matters:

• Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s behavior. If parents consistently use mobile phones during mealtimes, children learn that this behavior is acceptable.
• Feeding children while they watch mobile screens can lead to negative consequences. The child may associate eating with screen time, hindering their ability to focus on the food and enjoy the meal.

Developmental Impact:

• Children learn by observing their environment. If screens dominate their surroundings, they may prioritize virtual experiences over real-world interactions.
• A child who grows up with constant exposure to screens may perceive the virtual world as more engaging and real. This can affect their social skills, empathy, and overall development.

Reducing Screen Time:

• Start Early: Begin limiting screen time from an early age. The younger children are when you introduce healthy habits, the better.
• Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules about screen time. Designate specific times for screens (e.g., after homework or during weekends) and encourage other activities.
• Model Behavior: Parents should lead by example. Minimize your own screen time during family interactions and meals.
• Engage in Real-Life Activities: Encourage outdoor play, reading, creative play, and face-to-face conversations. These experiences are essential for a child’s holistic development.

Remember, a balanced approach is key. Screens can offer educational content, but moderation is crucial. Prioritize real-world interactions, healthy meals, and active play to support your child’s growth and well-being. 🌟