Having a GRAND time - The Official GF Chat Thread PART 2

[Cinderumbrella]

Very rarely does she eat mac and cheese, no pancakes, or pasta. On a typical day, she will eat nothing for breakfast, not for lack of trying, if I am lucky she might eat some yogurt. For lunch, some cheese and crackers is all I can get her to eat, and for dinner she will only eat fruit or bread. She will not drink any milk, she had a milk allergy when she was born, but has since grown out of it. I try to find whole milk yogurt and cheese, and ice cream, but that is getting really difficult to find anymore. I do give her vitamins. She is starting to get picky about fruit now also, she used to eat any kind of fruit but now it is just grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon. She is getting better about trying things, she will take the tiniest bite, but then that is it, she will not do anymore.

Boy, is this a familiar story!!! My DS just turned 5 and weighs 37 pounds soaking wet (He is also 44 inches tall). He was VERY picky when he was younger. He never wanted to make the jump from babyfood to people food. We finally had to starve him off of it because he was turning orange from all the carrots in Gerber Graduates!! (He was 18 months old at the time). Now he is my human garbage disposal, just doesn't gain weight.

Anyway, how much of this is she won't eat vs a battle of wills??? Is she not eating to prove a point? (That was a BIG part of our battle). When we were weaning DS onto food, we prety much gave him choice of ANYTHING he wanted to eat. This isn't the greatest habit to get into, but desparate times call for desperate measures. I agree with trying to get her to eat high calorie stuff. If she wants ice cream for breakfast, let her go for it! (It's calcium right?) What about pizza? McDonald's? Again, I wouldn't worry so much about being helathy at this point, but breaking the cycle of not eating.

 

[mandymommy4]

Fishy&2guppies

Sounds like a battle of wills. I also think a doctor would be concerned about a 25lb 31/2 to 4 yo.

I have a 3 year old that is TINY also. At her 3 year checkup the doctor wanted a few more lbs and we used those ensure type kids shakes to help her add some weight. I also ramped up the carbs. She is not picky so it was easier for me than I am sure it will be for you. She was 25 lbs in March and now she is 29. Slow and steady she is gaining.

How about Chocolate or strawberry milk? Seriously have you tried just not letting her have a choice? I know it sounds mean and you will feel like a horrible mom but I had to do that with my now 5 year old and it worked, many tears from both of us but it worked and our doctor gave us the idea, he said to not give in and when he got hungry enough he would eat what we gave him.

I think being a mom is the hardest job and our kids make us go crazy worrying! I hope you find some solutions soon!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Mandy, the choice thing is a tough call. If she is being offered the sky's the limit now, then I agree, maybe too much to choose from is part of the problem. But if she is being forced to eat what everyone else is eating irregardless, then maybe a little choice is a good thing. It is such a hard balance to strike. The main thing is the cycle of NOT eating has to be broken. Mommy just needs to figure out what the real root of the problem is (stubborness etc.)

Good luck!

 

[Fishy&2guppies]

It is a total battle of the wills, I won't even get into the whole potty training issue we had with her. I am so thankful that is over with. We have tried giving her a choice and giving her no choice, neither works. If we give her a choice she just says I don't know. She won't tell us what she wants. If she does happen to tell me then I will make it for her. Sometimes she will tell me what she wants and I make it and she refuses to eat it. We don't have discipline problems with her on anything else, it is just this and it was the potty training. It is like this is the last thing she has total control over and she is not giving in. You would think she would get hungry but she never does, she doesn't ask for food and if I offer her some, she refuses.

I guess I will just keep trying to push things I know she likes on her and let her eat whenever she wants and whatever, just so she can gain some weight.

 

[Lives4Disney]

No good... DS is spending the 28th with the IL's while DH and I go to the cubs vs sox game at the Cell, so I can't get rid of him 2 days in a row!!

Unfortunately, Thursday really is the best day for me since it is my Mom's day off

Well...maybe he could be the token man. Or we could just do it another time. Whatever works for you Kristin.

We don't care...we like kids: ...we could use the stroller for our purchases and take turns pushing eachother and then maybe we could use it to cut in line and push through the crowds etc....

Chan

 

[tinklvr64]

No good... DS is spending the 28th with the IL's while DH and I go to the cubs vs sox game at the Cell, so I can't get rid of him 2 days in a row!!

Unfortunately, Thursday really is the best day for me since it is my Mom's day off

OMG how did you score those tickets???? Way to go that will be a blast.
Ya I dont mind if you have to bring DS...or we can schedule another day!

 

[mandymommy4]

Mandy, the choice thing is a tough call. If she is being offered the sky's the limit now, then I agree, maybe too much to choose from is part of the problem. But if she is being forced to eat what everyone else is eating irregardless, then maybe a little choice is a good thing. It is such a hard balance to strike. The main thing is the cycle of NOT eating has to be broken. Mommy just needs to figure out what the real root of the problem is (stubborness etc.)

Good luck!

Your right K, especially since it sounds like it is becoming a health issue!

Good luck Fish&guppies! Mommy's have the toughest job!

A year ago I was a short order cook and decided no more! I cook one meal and if you don't like it then you don't eat! Of course it is kid friendly but healthy and none of my kids were experiencing low weight issues.

 

[vbarry]

Hi guys. I will wait for Kristin to respond about the 28th but that is a good day for me.

Channing~ I am sooo excited about the deluxe room. My TA scored that for me!! I think it will be great to have the extra room for my tree and gifts etc.

I have a pretty good hold on my ADR's. I sent everything over to Calvin at the GF. I am hoping IPO pulls through for me. I was going to do everything myself but figured they may have a little more pull making the ADR's during the holiday season...any other time I would have done it. We shall see.

I think we are going to try Rose and Crown. My dh loves fish and we will be sure to ask for extra crispy.

Just got that vein therapy done. WOW that hurts. Now my legs are wrapped up in ACE bandages for 2 days. Can you say YUCK during the summer

 

[mandymommy4]

Hi guys. I will wait for Kristin to respond about the 28th but that is a good day for me.

Channing~ I am sooo excited about the deluxe room. My TA scored that for me!! I think it will be great to have the extra room for my tree and gifts etc.

I have a pretty good hold on my ADR's. I sent everything over to Calvin at the GF. I am hoping IPO pulls through for me. I was going to do everything myself but figured they may have a little more pull making the ADR's during the holiday season...any other time I would have done it. We shall see.

I think we are going to try Rose and Crown. My dh loves fish and we will be sure to ask for extra crispy.

Just got that vein therapy done. WOW that hurts. Now my legs are wrapped up in ACE bandages for 2 days. Can you say YUCK during the summer

Is that the one where they inject saline or something into your spider veins? I have a spot on one of my legs that I have some pretty bad spider veins and my doctor told me about it. I can cover them for the most part if my legs are tanned but thats a pain! Before I had kids and still worked a co worker had that done on her lunch break but never had to wear a ace bandage, I wonder if it is the same thing?

Let us know how well it works and I hope you feel better soon!

 

[arbonnette]

It is a total battle of the wills, I won't even get into the whole potty training issue we had with her. I am so thankful that is over with. We have tried giving her a choice and giving her no choice, neither works. If we give her a choice she just says I don't know. She won't tell us what she wants. If she does happen to tell me then I will make it for her. Sometimes she will tell me what she wants and I make it and she refuses to eat it. We don't have discipline problems with her on anything else, it is just this and it was the potty training. It is like this is the last thing she has total control over and she is not giving in. You would think she would get hungry but she never does, she doesn't ask for food and if I offer her some, she refuses.

I guess I will just keep trying to push things I know she likes on her and let her eat whenever she wants and whatever, just so she can gain some weight.

How long has she gone without eating? Just curious. This method always work on TV.
But seriously, I would give her ice cream for breakfast if that's what it takes. It sounds like a battle of wills and stubborness. If you offer her ice cream and she won't eat it, then you KNOW she is being stubborn!!! Do you by any chance have an ice cream maker? If so, you could make your own with whole milk, heavy cream and pure white sugar. Then you know it's full fat without any of the unhealthy preservative stuff. Although I guess you could also accomplish this with an all natural store-bought version.
I wish you luck and encouragement in overcoming this with her. My DD is almost 5 and a half and weighs nearly 50 lbs! I ditto what Mandy said about the Ensure for kids. It's called Pediasure. It smells gross, but for some reason, kids love it.

 

[Lives4Disney]

How long has she gone without eating? Just curious. This method always work on TV.
But seriously, I would give her ice cream for breakfast if that's what it takes. It sounds like a battle of wills and stubborness. If you offer her ice cream and she won't eat it, then you KNOW she is being stubborn!!! Do you by any chance have an ice cream maker? If so, you could make your own with whole milk, heavy cream and pure white sugar. Then you know it's full fat without any of the unhealthy preservative stuff. Although I guess you could also accomplish this with an all natural store-bought version.
I wish you luck and encouragement in overcoming this with her. My DD is almost 5 and a half and weighs nearly 50 lbs! I ditto what Mandy said about the Ensure for kids. It's called Pediasure. It smells gross, but for some reason, kids love it.

Fishy2guppies.....

I totally agree....Give her whatever. Even if it is a battle of wills, she might be shocked if you just cave. I would try and find out what she does like and add a little protein and dairy & touch of fat to that....like if she is into strawberries one day, maybe make her them sliced with sugar with vanilla or chocolate icecream?? Or if she eats apples...Jojo wil ONLY eat them peeled and with peanut butter.....just add that little extra oomph but let her eat whatever.

I have Jojo....MEGA PICKY EATER!!! MEGA...BUT she does like enough healthy things that she is perfect weight. She eats the Yoplait whipped chocolate yogurt, Jello Sugar Free Chocolate pudding for bfast....even sometimes a poptart...I try and get the low fat strawberry or brown sugar. She will eat cereal and even instant oatmeal lately. (she is 8.5 and it's been a long road)...she won't drink juice or milk...she is a WATER girl...which is healthy - no soda for Jojo ever. She eats strawberries, bananas, - i make her yogurt smoothies with banana and strawberries and crushed ice with a touch of milk...she loves those. If I buy the Dannon Vanilla yogurt tub she will mix in Hershey chocolate syrup for her own chocolate treat.

I have parents that buy into that "SHE'LL EAT WHEN SHE"S HUNGRY"....well I KNOW she does not. SHe will NOT eat unless it's somethign SHE is interested in. She's been like that since a baby...and if she doesn't eat, it gets ugly. I do make her special dinners sometimes...or modify what I am making the familyto make her something similar but that she will eat.

I heard you have to give a kid a taste of something 35 times before they will accept it and eat it. I am not up to that task. But that is what I read.....Fishy, maybe you are a better woman than I!

Jojo will also be much more inclined to eat something SHE has either prepared for herself or helped make. That is a biggie for us here. See if you can get your DD interested in the cooking/baking of the food.

I totally know what you mean about if she sees anything different about her food she won't eat it. Jojo has SUPER tastebuds or something....she can tell if I do ANYthing different than usual. I can never sneak stuff by her.

I would definitely check out that cookbook by J Seinfeld and I would try and get your DD into the kitchen to "help" and cook. Even if it's only toasting bread for a sandwhich and spreading pb on it....just little steps.

GOOD LUCK!!!!! I am kind of with ya...i have a majorly picky kid but we've come a long way!!

Chan

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Gals, I feel HORRIBLE about having to bring DS along!!!! I want a Mommy day but I just can't do it with him going to the IL's the following day and night.

But if you don't mind the tag along, I am in (Did we decide on Woodfield??? He is my perfect shopper and as long as we make a stop in the Lego store he is good to go!! )

ETA: Dawn, we got the tix since DH is in Road Construction (we get free tix almost every weekend and bring DS. We NEVER bring him to Cubs vs. Sox though- too rowdy! Anyway, we are up on the fan deck for a charity thing... unlimited beer and food!! Woohoo!!)

 

[twinmum]

Ive been talking with Kelly about an upcoming trip to WDW and thought I'd see how you are all doing.

Oh man, this is an issue I can relate to totally!!! Our sons are 9 1/2, one is super picky (but finally doing better and especially for other people!) and the other is very adventurous, but he has cerebral palsy and eating is a motor skill...and he just tires out before he eats enough.

Our CP son had terrible reflux as a bbay and the pain and vomiting eventually drove him to refuse to eat. He made the connection that eating = vomiting and started to give up. We were desperate to keep him eating orally and tried everything both to pique his appetite/interest, but also have a good caloric hit to whatever he ate. In fact, we eventually were given doctor's advice to eat junk food...just to keep him chewing and swallowing!

There's lots of good advice here, but I agree with Channing that getting her involved can work really well. We still read cookbooks together to find recipes we'd lilke to try. One recipe that was a hit with both boys was making our own chicken fingers, rolling the chicken (I do this) in crunched up (low sodium) potato chips (you coat them with egg first to make it stick). Starting from age 3, they loved the idea that they could punch, stomp and so on that bag of chips...and there were always a few leftover for them!

For getting in good quality calories, Pediasure is a great bet. Our son did eventually have the anti-reflux surgery and has a gastrostomy (feeding) tube that we still use to supplement his nutrition. We've now moved to a Boost w/extra calories, but used Pediasure or Resource Just for Kids (may only be available in Canada) for years. My other son used to enjoy the chocolate flavour, and Mark drank boxes of the vanilla for years. Make sure it's cold!

Smoothies and shakes are great ideas and your doctor can give you other ideas on how to super charge them. Mark was given a milkshake recipe from his dietician that he couldn't wait to try: 1/2 chocolate bar, 1 scoop ice cream, 2 tbsp cream (18-35% cream...yuk!), 200 ml homogenized milk. He couldn't tolerate it, but his twin loved it! I'm lactose intolerant, and I could barely make it, the thought made me gag!

Keeping our children nourished is such a primal thing and it's so upsetting when it's not going well. I know - Mark weighs 43 lbs...at 9 1/2! It does make lifting and transferring easier, but not what we want to see.

Maybe she's figured out that this is really getting to you and is leveraging that. Keep doing whatever you can to make meal times fun. (Oh yeah, how many feeding and O/T people told me that?!?) Anyway, all you can do is your very best.

Hope it gets better!
Alison

 

[Lives4Disney]

Fishy! You are getting lots of advice....

Here's another one....I just had this a moment ago with Jojo...I am NOT above bribery, either. SHe wanted chips...I said OK as long as you eat these 6 strawberries first. She fussed a little but it's not the first time I've done it, so she's used to the game...so she did it.

Another thing.....OK we ahve a chocolate chipmunk in Jojo....so we have a chocolate theme going...chocolate yogurt, pudding, choc chip pancakes - NO OTHERS...choc chips in oatmeal...choc syrup on fruit in vanilla yogurt.....Maybe if you find that special taste that is YUMMY to your DD, it can be added to her favorites & more.

I do think though that a really good thing is to have your DD start helping make her own meals and snacks. It worked wonders with Jojo.

I used to fall asleep at the table as a kid becuse I WOULD NOT drink my milk....I detest milk...loathe it. Anyway...my parents grew up in a period where kids had to drink their milk or they'd have bad bones etc. so they stressed out about me drinking my milk but I WOULD NOT DO IT. I am fine....6 ft tall and healthy. Maybe that experience of my own makes me more easy going with my kids, but as long as the kids are eating somewhat healthy and playing and exercising I am cool with whatever...but I would be worried about your DD's weight, too....SNEAK some stuff into her diet...just those little extras for calories and nutrition.

GAG ME on the Pediasure stuff. I had awful stomach issues years ago...and the dr. gave me ensure...THAT IS WICKED DISGUSTING. I'd even rather starve than put that garbage in my mouth. My kids would NEVER EVER drink the pediasure crap. It's nasty stuff......but to each their own! I am talking major dog wash water and other nasty ingredients....but maybe worht a try.....

Good luck!

Kristin and IL gals....so are we thinking NEXT FRIDAY?!?!?!?! Woodfield???? How exciting!!!!!

Channing

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I am in for next Friday (my little guy is tickled pink at the thought of being the "token" man "Mommy, what does token mean? Like I am a game piece??")

 

[Lives4Disney]

I am in for next Friday (my little guy is tickled pink at the thought of being the "token" man "Mommy, what does token mean? Like I am a game piece??")

LOL...no it means BRING YOUR WALLET LITTLE MAN!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

um....there is a thread of 2008 "Popers".....are they Catholics going to WDW?? Should I jump on that bandwagon?? OH they're going in July, too!!!!!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

No, I will.... they still hate me over there since I am only going for the night and transferring to the GF in the am and I needed some advice on the DME luggage issue Apparantly I was supposed to be a POP convert due to my last trip!!!

(SHHH!!! Don't tell them, but DH and I already know that if for whatever reason we choose to stay off the monorail it will be there again- we REALLY liked it )

 

[vbarry]

OK IL girls. I thought you were talking about the last Friday in July not June. I cannot go next Friday. I have a follow up for these dumb veins and we are leaving for the weekend.

I am sorry. If we want to do another date that is fine otherwise you can go without me

 

[Lives4Disney]

OK IL girls. I thought you were talking about the last Friday in July not June. I cannot go next Friday. I have a follow up for these dumb veins and we are leaving for the weekend.

I am sorry. If we want to do another date that is fine otherwise you can go without me

AW!! BUmmer!!!



I was all psyched!!!