A 6-year-old who had chemotherapy and anorexia is now refusing to eat and throws the dish. Best response?

A 6-year-old who had chemotherapy and anorexia is now refusing to eat and throws the dish. Best response?

• A. Remind the child that foods tasted good today and will help the body to get strong
• B. Allow the mother and child time alone to review and control the behavior
• C. Ask the mother to leave until the child can finish eating and then invite her back
• D. Explain to the mother that the behavior could be a normal expression of anger

Answer: (D)

Anger is a common and understandable reaction for a child who has undergone chemotherapy and is dealing with anorexia and the accompanying loss of control. When a child refuses to eat and throws the dish, it often signals distress, frustration, or fear rather than simple disobedience. The most supportive and effective response is for the parent to recognize that emotion and respond with empathy rather than punishment or coercion. By validating the child’s feelings—acknowledging that being ill and not wanting to eat is frustrating—mom can help the child feel understood and safe, which reduces the likelihood of escalating behavior and opens the door to healthier coping and eventual cooperation with meals. This approach also helps preserve the parent–child relationship and supports developmentally appropriate coping strategies. It avoids shaming or power struggles at meal times and keeps the focus on building trust and a sense of control for the child, which is especially important during illness.

Anger is a common and understandable reaction for a child who has undergone chemotherapy and is dealing with anorexia and the accompanying loss of control. When a child refuses to eat and throws the dish, it often signals distress, frustration, or fear rather than simple disobedience. The most supportive and effective response is for the parent to recognize that emotion and respond with empathy rather than punishment or coercion. By validating the child’s feelings—acknowledging that being ill and not wanting to eat is frustrating—mom can help the child feel understood and safe, which reduces the likelihood of escalating behavior and opens the door to healthier coping and eventual cooperation with meals.

This approach also helps preserve the parent–child relationship and supports developmentally appropriate coping strategies. It avoids shaming or power struggles at meal times and keeps the focus on building trust and a sense of control for the child, which is especially important during illness.