Pregnancy & Parenting

Young children experience stress, fear, and changes in their sense of security. Because they still have difficulty expressing emotions in words, their feelings are often expressed through their bodies and behavior. Even the youngest baby can control opening and closing their mouth, and when children seek control, anxiety often shows up in eating habits.

During this period, changes in eating behaviors may occur:

• Decreased or increased appetite
• Frequent requests for familiar or sweet foods
• Eating as a way to calm down and seek comfort
• Seeking closeness through food
• Picky (selective) eating
• Difficulty sitting down to eat
• Avoiding food

These responses are usually natural and are part of adapting to a complex reality.

It is important to remember that for both adults and children, especially in early childhood, eating is not only a physical need but also a way to regulate emotions and create closeness and connection. Children may turn to food as part of trying to calm themselves or cope with stress.
In addition, there is a known link between mental health and the quality of the food we eat. A diet based mainly on foods high in sugar, snacks, sweets, and ultra-processed foods has been linked to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Even during stressful times, children need a varied and nutritious diet that supports growth, development, and energy throughout the day.
At the same time, when daily routines change and stress is present at home, it is important to approach nutrition with sensitivity and understanding, and to remember that eating is also part of how children cope with the situation.

Important to remember: eating habits develop over time, and when a sense of stability returns, eating patterns usually gradually balance out.

What can help during this time?

Here are some principles that may help. Some days it will be easier to follow them, and on other days less so – and that is natural.

1. Accept changes in eating – decreased or increased appetite, eating more, or avoiding food may be natural responses to stress and heightened nervous system arousal. Try to see mealtimes as a shared, pleasant time rather than focusing on how much children eat.

2. Make space for the child’s preferences – during stressful times, children may prefer familiar foods. You can allow this while continuing to offer a variety of nutritious foods as part of family meals.

3. Offer nutritious foods alongside familiar foods – continue to offer fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and home-cooked foods as much as possible. Even if children do not eat them every time, repeated exposure to a variety of foods is important.

4. Maintain a mealtime routine – try to keep regular meal times and sit together at the table when possible. Even one shared meal a day can help support a sense of stability and security.

5. Reduce pressure around eating – try to avoid pressure, pleading, critical comments, or comparisons. Struggles around food can make the difficulty worse.

6. Allow presence without eating – let the child sit at the table even if they are not eating – they can touch the food, smell it, or simply be part of the meal.

7. Address emotions alongside offering food – along with offering food, provide emotional support – a hug, physical closeness, sitting together, or calming words. For example:
   "It’s a hard day for all of us."
   "This really is not an easy time."
   "I’m here with you."
   These responses strengthen children’s sense of security and show them there is space for their feelings. In many cases, this reduces the need to seek comfort in food and increases turning to adults for comfort. Acknowledging emotions reduces the need to express distress through eating.
   It is recommended to avoid using food as a reward or as a way to “silence” emotions. Instead, see it as one part of a supportive, responsive, and regulating relationship. All of us tend to use food for comfort and emotional regulation at times, and children do too. It is important to combine emotional support with other ways to regulate emotions, such as breathing, physical activity, music, and enjoyable activities.

8. Involve children in food preparation – you can include children in preparing meals as a shared activity and as an opportunity to become familiar with different foods – even without expecting them to eat what they prepared. Children can also play with kitchen tools, even without food.

Breastfeeding during emergencies

If you have a breastfeeding infant, it is recommended to continue breastfeeding and avoid major changes during this time.
Breastfeeding provides tailored nutrition, immune protection, and also closeness and comfort during stressful times. For older infants, continue breastfeeding alongside family meals.

A broader perspective

Young children may respond to stress and anxiety with changes in eating patterns. The parent’s role is to recognize these changes and not be alarmed.
Eating habits are not formed in a short period. As a sense of safety and routine returns, most children gradually return to balanced eating patterns.
The most important message for parents during this time is to be present, listen, and provide a sense of security. Shared time around meals is often more important than a perfect menu.

If you have significant concerns about your child’s eating or behavior, you can seek professional advice.
You can contact the family care center (Tipat Halav) hotline at Ministry of Health hotline by phone at *5400 or schedule an appointment with a pediatric dietitian at family care centers (Tipat Halav) or your health maintenance organization (HMO). You can also consult your child’s doctor.

Healthy nutrition during emergencies

Healthy nutrition for children and adolescents on the Parenting website