Lunchbox Theatre offer some suggestions about good food to give a child when they need nurturing and comfort.

What food can sustain a child when they have lost their appetite and need comfort?

Lunchbox Theatre offer some suggestions about good food to give a child when they need nurturing and comfort.

When life is tough or sad and a child has lost their appetite what food can you tempt them with? What happens to your body when you lose someone close? Lunchbox Theatre offer some nurturing ideas on comfort food.

There may be many reasons why a child would lose interest in food.  However, the loss of a loved one is one of the most stressful, life-altering experience that anyone can have. Orphans must deal with complicated, difficult emotions including sadness, frustration, anxiety, guilt and anger. It also takes a physical toll on their bodies.

“Long-term grief can increase people’s appetites, but short-term or acute grief can turn one’s appetite off. When experiencing acute stress, our bodies go into fight-or-flight mode and shut down our digestive systems, to save energy to fight or run away.”  Dr. Wendy Trubow, Huffington Post.

Children who have lost many family members sometimes experience what is called “complicated grief,” which is “like being in an ongoing, heightened state of mourning that keeps you from healing.”  So, they need extra loving care.

Their vulnerable immune systems are also more prone to infections so tempt them to eat something uncomplicated and wholesome.

Here are some ideas on Kids Comfort Foods

1. Macaroni and Cheese
2. Grilled cheese sandwiches
3. Homemade Pizza
4.  Chicken Fingers or Nuggets
5. Chicken Noodle Soup
6. Scrambled Eggs
7. Pancakes
8. Peanut butter and jam sandwiches and of course, Chicken Noodle Soup

Here is some advice on how to handle a child who has lost his or her appetite.

• Do not argue or scold children during the mealtime.
• Adjust the meal schedules so that you serve food only when the child is hungry.
• Encourage the child to make healthy food choices.
• Allow your child to snack between meals.
• Serve small portions at regular intervals.
• Encourage the child to be more physically active.
• Do not force your child to eat if he or she is not hungry.

Of course, prevention is better than cure.  Imagine how many children have been emotionally affected when 110 000 family members who died from  AIDS related illnesses in 2016?  We salute those who are fighting this pandemic and would like to join them by staging the Thand’ Impilo Show to more young adults so they can make the right life choices about their bodies.

This is an urgent plea for anyone who wants to make a positive difference in the lives of the children of South Africa to please book some shows or press the Donate button on www.lunchbox.org.za  now.