Picky eater solution - allowed?

[3prettyprincesses]

Sorry to hear about your DS's issues. That must be frustrating for you all.

When we were recently at Ohana, our server gave his schpeal (is that a word?) about the food and then said they have chicken nuggets and mac & cheese for our kids if they didn't want the regular meal. Maybe you could try there? The food is really good and your DS can get his nuggets. Also, AK has chicken nuggets at Restaurantosaurus. As for your original question about bringing in CS to a TS meal, I have no idea! But if your DS truly has the issues he does, than I don't see a problem with bringing it in. Let the servers and people gawk all they want, it's your son and you're doing what you think is best. Good luck and have a magical trip.

 

[HANDYMOM]

Handymom, my DS has always been a picky eater, just recently started eating chicken. Before that he was a pasta/pizza guy. We have taken CS into many of the TS restaurants. It is Disney, the most important thing is that your son has something that he is comfortable/able/excited about eating. We did find that almost every one of the TS restaurants were very accomodating as far as cooking some pasta and making something my son would enjoy/like, but the older he got..the more self concious he became about asking. That probably is why he finally added Chicken to his diet last summer which made things a little easier. If it were me, and it has been, I would check out all the menus on allearsnet beforehand, and the ones that you have concerns about, take something in with you, or if he isn't hungry, plan to pick somehting up after.
Hope this helps, and I hope that you have an awesome time!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you....I admit I'm hesitant, which is why I asked, but I'm glad that someone out there at least considered this...I appreciate your kind attitude more than you know.

 

[HANDYMOM]

Sorry to hear about your DS's issues. That must be frustrating for you all.

When we were recently at Ohana, our server gave his schpeal (is that a word?) about the food and then said they have chicken nuggets and mac & cheese for our kids if they didn't want the regular meal. Maybe you could try there? The food is really good and your DS can get his nuggets. Also, AK has chicken nuggets at Restaurantosaurus. As for your original question about bringing in CS to a TS meal, I have no idea! But if your DS truly has the issues he does, than I don't see a problem with bringing it in. Let the servers and people gawk all they want, it's your son and you're doing what you think is best. Good luck and have a magical trip.

Thanks 3Princesses...

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

Handymom- I have an older picky eater as well who has been struggling with some eating issues as well. Keeping a healthy weight is a problem here as well and I get concerned with just getting calories in as well. I would do what works for you.. BUT, I have been several times in the last few years- maybe I can give you some suggestions of places that might work.. You can pM if you want with his acceptable foods.

 

[princessmom29]

Most Table Service, except for buffets, do not have chicken nuggets or that would be the perfect solution. DS has some issues we've been resolving with his pediatrician,....it's not always that simple or I wouldn't even be looking into this idea.

Thanks to the responders who were more concerned with our tough situation and not as to whether we would be considered tacky...

And to those suggesting I just make DS order something and live with it, I didn't ask for parenting advice, I asked for advice on one specific thing....thank you very much. Helping my son eat regularly and maintain a healthy weight is more important to me right now than how I "appear". If I've paid Disney for the dining plan and end up using CS instead of TS...I'd think they'd be pretty happy.

I don't have any problem being told that I shouldn't do it, that's why I was asking.

Underlying medical conditions are a different ballgame and that's why I specifically said that in my post. No need to get defensive. Your child obviously has something that needs working out, and yes you should absolutely do what is best for his health. I was in no way questioning that, but I stand by the idea that there is no reason to allow and otherwise healthy child to dictate food choices to the point that no one else can enjoy a meal out without making sure they have their precious chicken nuggets. I guess if you do then it is your loss, but it will not be happening at my table. Again medical issues are different. I am talking about a normal, healthy child who chooses to be picky, not one with sensory, allergy, or feeding issues.

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

Myself, I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that. My DS6 has autism and can be particular about his food. I either book a TS that has a kids option that know he will eat (many of them do serve chicken nuggets) or I book a buffet where I know he will find things to eat. I won't go to a place I know he will not eat anything of the kids menu (like Rose n Crown).

Autism is a whole different ball game as is any medical issue. Anyone who has special needs, medical, allergies, sensory issues, gag reflex etc is a completely different situation. The OP did not say her child had any medical, physical or pyschological challenges. My picky former eater has ADHD, on the spectrum and sensory issues. But he obviously worked thru them, some he out grew and needless to say bribing him with trips to the mouse really helped. There were trips when we could not even watch the fireworks unless we were in Ohana's of Cali Grill where it was faraway a quite! So believe me I know about special needs.

If these issues apply to the OP's child then she can put on her ADR's (over the phone) special needs (describing whatever it is) and discretely let them know. The chef comes to the table and speaks with you about your special needs. I recall one trip where I think we were the most difficult family ever to feed. I have an onion allergy .... so I always speak to the chef, my mother had a wheat, but not a gluten allergy, my nice is a vegetarian (nothing animal) and my son was on (and still is on) the fiengold diet due to his ADHD. OMG! But the chef accomodated all of our needs and our meals were wonderful! But even with these restrictions I still do not let my child be a picky eater because you can make it work even at DW.

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

Most Table Service, except for buffets, do not have chicken nuggets or that would be the perfect solution. DS has some issues we've been resolving with his pediatrician,....it's not always that simple or I wouldn't even be looking into this idea.

Thanks to the responders who were more concerned with our tough situation and not as to whether we would be considered tacky...

And to those suggesting I just make DS order something and live with it, I didn't ask for parenting advice, I asked for advice on one specific thing....thank you very much. Helping my son eat regularly and maintain a healthy weight is more important to me right now than how I "appear". If I've paid Disney for the dining plan and end up using CS instead of TS...I'd think they'd be pretty happy.

I don't have any problem being told that I shouldn't do it, that's why I was asking.

You did not mention any challenges your son faced. I am picturing a 4 yr old not a middle schooler. So lets start over........

keep in mind you have a frig in your room. We pack a suit case with foods or have garden grocer deliver to us groceries so we can eat in the room for breakfast while we get ready in the morning. My son is hyper, has a high metabolism and eats several small snacks all day. I would bring an ice pack from home (the blue gel ones) you can get them from the dollar stores cheap and put them in the freezer part of the frig and bring cheese sticks for snacks. I pack the gel pack in my back pack so the food stays cold all day. Keep in mind if you pack a suit case you can pack it full of groceries and pay for the checked bag. Our flight down is 2 1/2 hours so we could pack cold food. Freeze them and them put in your suit case! If you need creative ideas for food due to your son's challenges (which you did not mention) please ask away. My son has sensory issues, barely on the spectrum but on it and ADHD. Had you mentioned your challenges I would of told you this right away. So now your talking tell us more and we would be glad to help!

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

I'm a Disney veteran and pretty much know most of the menus....there are few non buffet table service that serve them. The AK only has them in one place...Thanks for idea though

Your a disney veteran? . I just noticed your siggy. So your son's are now 10 and 8 ?

January 2010 - ????(shhhh! it's a surprise!)
January 2008 - Grand Gathering at Pop!
January 2006 - 2 families at All Star Sports
May 2004 POR - 1st trip with DS's 5&3
Sept 1998 - Belated Disneymoon at CBR
April 1995 - CR

 

[Darling729]

I sorry, but I have to say this. Why not just tell them to order from the menu and deal with it?? Really, I see this almost every day on this board I truly just don't get allowing children to do this if they do not have some kind of medical condition. In our house you eat what is served or you don't eat, and it is definitely NOT chicken nuggets every night. As a result I can take DD to a resturant and not worry about a melt down if they don't serve chicken nuggets. She will just have to find something she wants on the menu, or wait until later to eat. Problem solved!!! I think if most parents of so called "picky eaters" who don't have underlying allergies, sensory porblems, or medical issues are truly honest with themselves they will find that their kids are picky b/c they are allowed to be.

I never intended to be "that mom" that allows her child to be picky, but I have FOUGHT him for years on it! He is now 7 and has about 10 things he will eat. He has NO allergies or medical conditions...he is just stubborn. I have had several nights where he has gone to bed without anything to eat b/c he will not touch it. And I for one do not want to let him go to school on an empty stomach. Don't think I don't have many sleepless nights worrying about the lack of proper nutrition.....
Our trip to DW will be magical and I will not fight him on this while we are there. It is easy for you to say to just make them "deal with it" but not so easy to do in real life when you want your child to have some nutrition. You can not imagine how cranky he (or any child) will be without food on their stomach.
I just thought it was a little insensitive to say that we should just let them "deal with it" or that we are treating them unfairly by allowing them to be picky. It is harder than you think on us moms!

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

I never intended to be "that mom" that allows her child to be picky, but I have FOUGHT him for years on it! He is now 7 and has about 10 things he will eat. He has NO allergies or medical conditions...he is just stubborn. I have had several nights where he has gone to bed without anything to eat b/c he will not touch it. And I for one do not want to let him go to school on an empty stomach. Don't think I don't have many sleepless nights worrying about the lack of proper nutrition.....
Our trip to DW will be magical and I will not fight him on this while we are there. It is easy for you to say to just make them "deal with it" but not so easy to do in real life when you want your child to have some nutrition. You can not imagine how cranky he (or any child) will be without food on their stomach.
I just thought it was a little insensitive to say that we should just let them "deal with it" or that we are treating them unfairly by allowing them to be picky. It is harder than you think on us moms!

Find something he wants and make a deal. It really is that simple. He wants pokeman cards for example. Have him earn it by eating or at least tasting different foods. I started out telling him you must take at least 3 bites, chew and swallow it to earn your points towards your prize that day. He would do it and discovered that the food in question actually taste good! There are appropriate bribes us mom's are allowed to make! My son's bribes were DW, pokeman cards, DS games, Wii games. He had to earn each and everyone of them via good eating and trying new foods. My 7 yr old and I now go to places such as an aribic resturaunt. We make a learning experience out of it. We talk about he culture while we are there, talk to the owner, try the foods etc. Now he loves trying to new foods! I also let him help cook and that helps too! Good luck!

 

[Darling729]

Find something he wants and make a deal. It really is that simple. He wants pokeman cards for example. Have him earn it by eating or at least tasting different foods. I started out telling him you must take at least 3 bites, chew and swallow it to earn your points towards your prize that day. He would do it and discovered that the food in question actually taste good! There are appropriate bribes us mom's are allowed to make! My son's bribes were DW, pokeman cards, DS games, Wii games. He had to earn each and everyone of them via good eating and trying new foods. My 7 yr old and I now go to places such as an aribic resturaunt. We make a learning experience out of it. We talk about he culture while we are there, talk to the owner, try the foods etc. Now he loves trying to new foods! I also let him help cook and that helps too! Good luck!

Thanks so much for the advice- I truly appreciate it. I have definitely tried this and even gone so far as to take things that mean something to him away from him and he will cry at the table before he puts something he doesn't want in his mouth.

All I can do is look at his stubbornness in a positive light- it will make him a good lawyer someday!

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

Thanks so much for the advice- I truly appreciate it. I have definitely tried this and even gone so far as to take things that mean something to him away from him and he will cry at the table before he puts something he doesn't want in his mouth.

All I can do is look at his stubbornness in a positive light- it will make him a good lawyer someday!

oh no.... do not take things away. It associates the negative with foods. Those are not relationships we want to build. Also do not make him sit there until he eats it.

Make it a positive experience with a good reward for his efforts so he earns it and takes pride in what he earns. This builds up his own personal self esteem and gives a sense of accomplishment. Believe me it works! Try it. Also if he decides not to try it say okay. Well let me know when you want to earn xyz and put it back on him. It is the old mom reverse psychology! Teaching the art of negotiation to your son will also make him a good lawyer! Not being stubborn. Lawyers are not stubborn.

Also start cooking with him. He will be more likely to eat something if he helps cook it! Plus it is positive attention which will also be associated with eating. Kids love this!

 

[KateMW]

I agree with princessmom29. Why not use eating as an opportunity to teach children and help them to become more adaptable rather than give them the expectation that they can bring their own food into a restaurant and perpetuate their "pickiness".

I also agree with them. I have a 5 year old and at 3 yr. old, if I let her, she would've eaten pasta with butter and parm every meal of the day. But, I don't and I made her try things. Now she loves fish, lamb, all sorts of beef, any pork and even a couple of veggies. I'm not saying she eats raw tomatoes everyday, but I make one meal at home and she eats it. When we go to dinner, she has to order off the real menu, no crazy kid-like substitutions. Kids are only picky because you let them be. Oh and she's a weirdo kid, she doesn't eat pb&j!

 

[KateMW]

oh no.... do not take things away. It associates the negative with foods. Those are not relationships we want to build. Also do not make him sit there until he eats it.

Make it a positive experience with a good reward for his efforts so he earns it and takes pride in what he earns. This builds up his own personal self esteem and gives a sense of accomplishment. Believe me it works! Try it. Also if he decides not to try it say okay. Well let me know when you want to earn xyz and put it back on him. It is the old mom reverse psychology! Teaching the art of negotiation to your son will also make him a good lawyer! Not being stubborn. Lawyers are not stubborn.

Also start cooking with him. He will be more likely to eat something if he helps cook it! Plus it is positive attention which will also be associated with eating. Kids love this!

Totally agree with both of these statements. You are teaching your son to manipulate you when you back down when he cries. If you're going to take something away, at least follow through when he flips out.

See if you can find a kid's cooking class or just cook with him at home. My daughter LOVES to cook with me and to see what goes in our food. He might love it so much, he'll start wanting to know where everything comes from, etc. Then you can have the pleasure of explaining what pork is. It's a blast!

Good Luck!

 

[yankeeGLEEgirl]

OP- sending you pixie dust.

I cannot remember if others mentioned it, but have you shown your child the menus from this site and gone over them?

I am certain the staff would be helpfull anywhere at the world in finding your son something to eat.

 

[NeverBeen2DW]

Totally agree with both of these statements. You are teaching your son to manipulate you when you back down when he cries. If you're going to take something away, at least follow through when he flips out.

See if you can find a kid's cooking class or just cook with him at home. My daughter LOVES to cook with me and to see what goes in our food. He might love it so much, he'll start wanting to know where everything comes from, etc. Then you can have the pleasure of explaining what pork is. It's a blast!

Good Luck!

OMG! Pork, Hamburgers, turkey, chicken. My son never realized he was eating animals with faces. He went vegetarian until he wanted to some sausage pizza! LOL!

 

[HANDYMOM]

If these issues apply to the OP's child then she can put on her ADR's (over the phone) special needs (describing whatever it is) and discretely let them know. The chef comes to the table and speaks with you about your special needs. I recall one trip where I think we were the most difficult family ever to feed. I have an onion allergy .... so I always speak to the chef, my mother had a wheat, but not a gluten allergy, my nice is a vegetarian (nothing animal) and my son was on (and still is on) the fiengold diet due to his ADHD. OMG! But the chef accomodated all of our needs and our meals were wonderful! But even with these restrictions I still do not let my child be a picky eater because you can make it work even at DW.

Thanks for the suggestion, but with a park full of CS options and lots of kids/adults with more pressing and limiting needs, I wouldn't think of asking for Disney to accomodate in our case. I will certainly recommend this to others in need though so thanks for the heads up on it.

 

[HANDYMOM]

OP- sending you pixie dust.

I cannot remember if others mentioned it, but have you shown your child the menus from this site and gone over them?

I am certain the staff would be helpfull anywhere at the world in finding your son something to eat.

Pixie Dust right back at you YankeeGlee girl!

 

[HANDYMOM]

Totally agree with both of these statements. You are teaching your son to manipulate you when you back down when he cries. If you're going to take something away, at least follow through when he flips out.

See if you can find a kid's cooking class or just cook with him at home. My daughter LOVES to cook with me and to see what goes in our food. He might love it so much, he'll start wanting to know where everything comes from, etc. Then you can have the pleasure of explaining what pork is. It's a blast!

Good Luck!

Great idea about the cooking. DS and I talked last night after reading your suggestion. He was warming up to it and when I suggested he be the one to grill it, so he could ensure that nothing "extra" got on it and it would be the same plain chicken deep down inside the fried tender, he kind of got excited. I'm crossing my fingers, he's freaked out before after being "readY" but I have faith in him. Thanks for the suggestion...I'm going to use it on Wednesday night

 

[HANDYMOM]

Underlying medical conditions are a different ballgame and that's why I specifically said that in my post. No need to get defensive. Your child obviously has something that needs working out, and yes you should absolutely do what is best for his health. I was in no way questioning that, but I stand by the idea that there is no reason to allow and otherwise healthy child to dictate food choices to the point that no one else can enjoy a meal out without making sure they have their precious chicken nuggets. I guess if you do then it is your loss, but it will not be happening at my table. Again medical issues are different. I am talking about a normal, healthy child who chooses to be picky, not one with sensory, allergy, or feeding issues.

oops