Tiny baby Selena sat quietly in mom’s arms, her small face filled with sadness. A bowl of soft, sweet fruit was prepared carefully, cut into tiny pieces just for her. Mom lifted the spoon gently, smiling, hoping to see Selena open her mouth. But Selena turned her head away.
She refused.
Her eyes lowered, shiny with emotion, and her lips pressed together tightly. It wasn’t anger. It wasn’t stubbornness. It was something deeper. Selena let out a small, broken sound, almost like a sigh, as if her heart felt too heavy to eat.
Mom tried again, patiently bringing the fruit closer. Selena pushed the spoon away with her tiny hand and began to whimper. The sound was soft but painful to hear. She leaned back, curling into herself, refusing the food meant to help her grow strong.
Mom’s heart tightened. She knew Selena wasn’t full. She knew the fruit was good and gentle. But babies didn’t always refuse because of taste. Sometimes they refused because of feelings. Selena had been through changes, new routines, unfamiliar moments. Today, her heart needed comfort more than food.
Mom wiped Selena’s mouth gently and set the bowl aside. She didn’t force her. Instead, she pulled Selena close, holding her against her chest. Selena cried quietly, pressing her face into mom’s shirt. Her small body trembled as if releasing something she couldn’t explain.
Mom rocked her slowly, humming softly. The world grew quieter. Selena’s cries faded into tiny hiccups. Her breathing slowed. She stayed close, holding on tightly, afraid to be let go.
After a while, Selena lifted her head. Her eyes met mom’s. The sadness was still there, but softer now. Mom smiled gently and offered a small piece of fruit with her fingers this time. Selena hesitated… then took a tiny bite.
It wasn’t much, but it was enough.
Mom didn’t rush. She praised her softly, kissing her head. Selena leaned back into her arms, chewing slowly, feeling safe again.
That day, Selena taught mom an important lesson. Feeding wasn’t just about food. Sometimes, babies needed understanding first.
And love… before appetite could return.
