This kind of food rejection and parental bribery usually occurs when a child is between the ages of two to six. It is in this stage when the child is developing a sense of self and is more apt to challenge parental desires about their food intake according to Lewis. Therefore, it is important to try and refrain from entering into a power struggle with your child over food during this time. When the child enters first grade, trying to control his eating habits become less of an issue and his appetite increases, as does his willingness to try new things. Nutritional needs that are not met through the early years of a child may lead to a deficiency.
Some children are apt to become deficient in calcium and iron.
Calcium, which comes primarily from dairy foods, is important for both adults and children because it helps in the process of strengthening and lengthening of the bones. For a child, calcium plays an important role in the lengthening of their bones. Getting your child's calcium needs met can be an issue for some parents. In order to meet these needs Lewis suggests that parents consider serving milk with the child's meals and giving their child snacks that are high in calcium such as cheese and yogurt. One factor that may help lead to the loss of calcium from the bones is soft drink consumption.