Your child may not wish to eat or drink due to the following:
- Loss of appetite
- Change of taste – likes/dislikes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Difficulties with swallowing
How can you help?
- Offer food little and often – use small plates
- Let your child eat whatever they like
- Be prepared to feed your child at odd times of day or night
- Don’t focus on the fact your child is not eating or drinking
- Offer ice-lollies as they may be easier to manage than fluids
- Try crushing ice-cubes and mixing with fruit juice
- If your child is still managing food, you can add extra calories, e.g. butter and cream in mashed potato
- During the last few days, your child’s body will need less and less food and drink: they will not feel hungry or thirsty, but they may get a dry mouth: you can help keep them comfortable by doing regular mouth-care.