Are you a parent or guardian frustrated that your child does not eat at all or does not eat much? Or are you in the category of guardians who are always in a hurry to force-feed your child because they are taking too long to clear the plate?

Well, you may want to take this advice from a paediatrician at the Korle bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Dr Seyram Wodui, who says your actions may lead to your child’s death – and that’s something you do not want to happen.

Acknowledging how stressful is it to have a child who refuses meals or eats at a slow pace, the CEO at Baby and Co, who spoke on the JoyNews family-oriented program Home Affairs, urges parents to make feeding time playtime and also introduce the meals gradually "feeding techniques impact the feeding habits of our children so when we start to introduce complementarily we should not be in a hurry."

Dr Wodui wants parents to remember that "feeding time is also a time for the children to learn and develop, such as hand coordination, so there is no need to make it a battleground with our quest to finish up and continue quickly; with our daily activities."

Bearing in mind the clash between time and play, Dr Wodui advises the feeder to do everything possible to avoid food aversion, "where the child will begin to totally reject food or get into a mood when he or she sees food."

No need to fret if you are in such a situation because the consequence of it persisting may be dire; therefore, Dr Wodui echoes her submission that the process should be made a fun time where the food is colourfully presented and in playful, colourful bowls, with accompanying cutlery and cups.

However, if the situation persists, she wants parents to "seek help" but never force-feed the baby as that can lead to their death or lifelong health complications.