Picky eater vent

[almburr]

Ok Im getting tired of hearing about kids that are picky eaters. How the parents say that thier children will only eat chicken nuggets, pizza, hot dogs, & mac and cheese and how picky they are. Well stop feeding them those things.

Then these parents get upset that the TS of thier choice does not have those foods for thier children. So then these parents go and try to find another TS that will have the foods that their children will eat.

Im gratefull that some of the TS reasturants dont offer the standard kids fare. Have your child try new things. Stop getting upset that the menus dont have those items. Have them try new things. EPCOT world showcase dining is wonderful-expose them to diffrent foods.

Vent over

 

[worm761]

I am one with a picky eater. He has autism so is outside of the norm. But, I would not pay Disney's prices just to find out my child won't eat what was ordered. I don't think vacation is the place to force a child out of their comfort zone. Besides, if the parent chooses to allow such pickiness, again not including children like mine with an honest problem, then they CHOOSE to only eat where the standard kids crap is served. Their choice. Though I do agree they should not complain that they created the mess and now have to live with it.

 

[almburr]

I am one with a picky eater. He has autism so is outside of the norm. But, I would not pay Disney's prices just to find out my child won't eat what was ordered. I don't think vacation is the place to force a child out of their comfort zone. Besides, if the parent chooses to allow such pickiness, again not including children like mine with an honest problem, then they CHOOSE to only eat where the standard kids crap is served. Their choice. Though I do agree they should not complain that they created the mess and now have to live with it.

I agree with you, a child with a difficulty be it autism or allergies that is difficult. I just dont like how they let their child decide where they will eat beacuse they wont eat anything but the standard crap. You are right dont try to change it while on vacation start at home first.

 

[Maus]

Agreed. I actualy complained that the signature restaurants dont have enough variety for kids (fishsticks at flying fish for example). Our ds eats what we eat, I do not cook extra meals for him at home. If he doesn't like something he doesn't have to eat it, but I will not cook something extra. I have never heard of a child that is offered everything starving. If I go to a restaurant I want different choices than what I do at home. If you have extremely picky eaters don't complain about the menu, go to a counter service restaurant and let your kids eat what they want. To the pp with the child with autism, I agree it is not easy to find the right thing for a special child, but I know children with autism who might be picky eaters as well they just don't eat the usual kids fare.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I felt the same way until we got a picky eater. I deal with him, but it has opened my eyes on how difficult it can be to train a reluctant eater. He has made great strides, but he won't touch fruit to save his life (as an example). He also seems to be bothered by sauces. We are taking baby steps. He is my third of four and my oldest two eat all sorts of things, including sushi.

So it isn't always in the parenting. And it isn't always easy to say they will learn to eat it if you stoP serving the other stuff. For my son, I had to go through an acclimation period of just serving him the offensive items simply to train him to no scream at the sight of it.

I don't complain about menus though. We work around what is available.

Oddly---after a long standing vegetable strike, his two preferred veggies are broccoli and unpeeled "big" carrots. He will eat white meat chicken and ground beef, but won't eat other meats (I'm fine with that!). Sauces are still taboo. My oldest refused sauces until age 5, so I'm not concerned.


I have never had trouble feeding him whole grains though---which to me is odd. I love whole grains and they are anything bit bland.


My son had speech issues, but no other issues. We honestly have no idea what happened. I made all his baby food like his sisters.

 

[JPGonzales]

I agree with one of your points...the TS menus for kidlets is horrible. I agree have chicken nuggets and mac and cheese, but how about something other then this and cheese pizza and hamburger mac. Short term it's fine, but when you are on the resort for 2 weeks....the kid starts looking at your plate and you end up eating the mac and cheese. I think DW does a good job of trying, but when you go to the Moroccan restaurant and there is nothing ethnic on the menu it's a bit frustrating. The waiter actually called it a Moroccan hamburger with Moroccan ketchup with a smirk on his face.

 

[Sugardimples]

What amazes me is that all the picky eaters eat the same few foods - chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, a few other "standards". This leads me to believe that in most cases this is learned behavior. It doesn't make sense that ALL these picky eaters somehow miraculously settled on the same limited variety of foods if it was not what they were being fed on a very regular basis.

I am 60 years old. There were no picky eaters when I was a kid. You either ate or you didn't. If you didn't eat you waited for the next meal.

 

[OrlandoHelp]

I have 3 children and one is a picky eater. The other 2 will eat almost anything.

We did try the tough love approach by forcing him to eat what we ate but that didn't work. His weight started going down and we were forced to start giving him protein drinks to help bring it back up.

I now have come to terms with the fact that he is not going to eat fruit and vegetables but have found a way to ensure that he gets them anyway.

I make a fruit and veggie drink daily in the blender that he loves so I know that he is getting his vitamins.

I realize that I am catering to his pickiness but this helps to keep the peace and I am fine with it.

I have learned to pick my battles and as long as my children are getting the nutrients that they need, I am fine with doing a little extra.

I do not complain when a restaurant does not have kids staples however, I would probably avoid a restaurant with exotic tasting foods. This is a choice that I make.

I think that every parent will come across some difficulty raising children and we all learn to cope in our own way.

 

[jm106]

I also agree that TS choices stink and I would like a smaller portion size of adult foods. Honestly I dont get the picky food thing with kids, I offer what I want them to eat, they have some likes and dislikes but nuggets and hotdogs are not an option. My kids are far from picky and I do beleive what I chose to feed them is a large part of that.
Since what someone feeds their kid doesnt normally affect me, I dont let it bother me however I do feel like the picky kids and parents that give in to it all the time drives the menus (not just WDW but all over. I had to find a daycare that did not proivide food in order to get away from many meals being "kid foods")
I get my kids things from reg. menu to share or an appetizer, soup, salad but I do not normally get a kids meal. Ods fav. foods are shrimp lobster and broccoli, yds is rice and grains of any kind. Both kids eat salad at almost each meal (2 1/2 and 5 year old.) Hard pressed to find this on most kids menu

 

[bluejasmine]

I personally think that most restaurants child menus stink. NOt only WDW. I think its ridiculous that children are expected to eat chicken nuggets, fries, mac and cheese and hot dogs at restaurants. I mean seriously what nutrional value is in these things? Why cant they just serve smaller portions of what else is on the menu?

None of my kids who are all teens now were picky eaters, of course I was raised differently and I raised mine the same way, they ate what I made and that was that. Certain allowances were made, like my son hated corn and my daughter wasnt a big meat eatter so they ate more of whatever else I served to make up for it.

NOw my step son who doesnt live with us but comes for a month or so in the summer is a picky eater and it was so frustrating. There was so much he didnt eat even things like peanut butter, chocolate and refused to use mint flavored toothpaste!

After a few years he learned that he had to eat what we served with some exceptions, he hates corn, and we eat alot of stir fry which he doesnt eat, then I make him something quick and easy, it was a nightly struggle at the table but we have gotten past that. COme to find out his mom is a picky eater and doesnt eat alot of things herself so it was the way he was being raised. We also found out that some of the things he refused, he did eat at home but his dad was giving in to him which enabled him and since then DH has put his foot down and we have little to no problems. I honestly feel alot of picky eating is a power struggle, like alot of other things with kids.

Children with special needs is a completely different situation tho, I agree taking them out of their comfort zone when they arent at home is never a good idea.

My experience with a picky eater made me appreciate even more my teens who eat almost anything but I can now also put myself in the shoes of parents that have picky eaters.

 

[hannahryan]

I felt the same way until we got a picky eater. I deal with him, but it has opened my eyes on how difficult it can be to train a reluctant eater. He has made great strides, but he won't touch fruit to save his life (as an example). He also seems to be bothered by sauces. We are taking baby steps. He is my third of four and my oldest two eat all sorts of things, including sushi.

So it isn't always in the parenting. And it isn't always easy to say they will learn to eat it if you stoP serving the other stuff. For my son, I had to go through an acclimation period of just serving him the offensive items simply to train him to no scream at the sight of it.

I don't complain about menus though. We work around what is available.

Oddly---after a long standing vegetable strike, his two preferred veggies are broccoli and unpeeled "big" carrots. He will eat white meat chicken and ground beef, but won't eat other meats (I'm fine with that!). Sauces are still taboo. My oldest refused sauces until age 5, so I'm not concerned.


I have never had trouble feeding him whole grains though---which to me is odd. I love whole grains and they are anything bit bland.


My son had speech issues, but no other issues. We honestly have no idea what happened. I made all his baby food like his sisters.

It's a shame that some people feel the need to judge other parents when they don't fully understand all the issues. You are right, it isn't "all in the parenting". My husband, myself and daughter will eat almost anything. My 15 year old son has been a selective eater since he was 1 years old. We offered him everything and he would literally only eat 3 things. Over the years, we have taken him to many Doctors and therapists. In Boston, he was diagnosed with a "selective eating disorder". It has to do with sensory issues. For those of you dealing with similiar issues, there is tons of information on the internet. Duke University is doing a lot of research with this disorder. I know there will be many "haters" who will not be able to understand all of this, but hopefully it will be helpful to those with children who actually may be struggling with true sensory issues as opposed to just those "picky eaters".

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40357712/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/

 

[mimmi]

My kid is picky but not in the sense that she only eats junk food there are just many different things she doesn't eat, like cheese or zucchini while she eats things like hummus, olives, feta or thai food.
I think that it's important to introduce children to different cuisines as well as different cultures, so we try new things all the time. Sometimes she likes it, sometime not. She won't starve if she only eats the side dishes sometimes.

I think that there actually is too little choice on the kids' menus outside of world showcase, I'm already looking for restaurant in the park without the usual crappy junk food.

 

[juliebean]

I'll admit to complaining about the kid's meals, they look awful and usually do not fit with what is being offered. The exception that I saw is the hibachi (can't the name right now!). I think the solution for DW is to offer the standard kids fare at one restaurant in each park/resort and then offer food more inline with the regular menu at other restaurants. Mine will not eat chicken nuggets twice a day....I could make them, but why would I want to?

Also, there is an evolutionary explaination for pickyness - it was protection against poisoning for kids (smaller body - doesn't take much and they don't have the same knowledge base as an adult) to only eat what was familiar to them. Picky kids who didn't eat every berry or mushroom in the forest grew into adults. They also have more sensitive taste buds to certain substances, for example oxalic acid (ie spinach) that can be poisonous in large amounts. They also say it takes 10 times of introducing kids to foods before they will eat them...

That being said - my daughter's favorites are ceasar salad for the 8 year old, and shrimp cocktail for the 5 year old. I doubt we'll find those on the kids menu. That was one thing my kids loved about going on a cruise - the waiters would bring them small portions of adult foods. I do not make separate meals for my kids at home, if we are having chicken stuffed with spinach and feta - then they are having that also. However, although I'm worried about rebellion over the quality of the food, I'm sure it will be fine. We did get the deluxe dining with the intent of sharing appetizers with the kids, so that should help too.

 

[DisneyPoly]

It's a shame that some people feel the need to judge other parents when they don't fully understand all the issues. You are right, it isn't "all in the parenting". My husband, myself and daughter will eat almost anything. My 15 year old son has been a selective eater since he was 1 years old. We offered him everything and he would literally only eat 3 things. Over the years, we have taken him to many Doctors and therapists. In Boston, he was diagnosed with a "selective eating disorder". It has to do with sensory issues. For those of you dealing with similiar issues, there is tons of information on the internet. Duke University is doing a lot of research with this disorder. I know there will be many "haters" who will not be able to understand all of this, but hopefully it will be helpful to those with children who actually may be struggling with true sensory issues as opposed to just those "picky eaters".

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40357712/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/

I applaud your response. I too have 4 children and 1 who is a "picky eater" ... we tried tough love, took him to doctors/therapist and he was diagnosed with SPD ... sensory processing disorder. It was explained to us that while we may enjoy a piece of steak, it is like glass in his mouth and therefore, although he tries to eat it, he can't. We are still trying to move forward, however what may seem obvious to some, may not always be the case. I have a new found understanding and sympathy for parents with this issue.

 

[3pletprincesses]

I agree with you to some extent. I'm lucky that my girls will eat anything and try everything but that being said, some kids flat out refuse to eat. I was raised to eat what you get or you won't have a secnd choice and that's what I did with my girls and it worked. that being said, if my girls would be some what picky, I would do like everyone and look for the best restaurant while at WDW. They are on vacation and should be able to eat what they like.

Now my problem is not my girls but my DH. He IS worse then any picky eaters that I have seen. My girls have told him in the past to eat that it was good and he refused because he doesnèt like it... he had never tried it before.

 

[DisneyPoly]

Double post ... sorry

 

[kamik86]

I am a bit of a picky eater. I definitely was as a kid.

Part of it was my dad though. He is way worse then I am and won't even try anything slightly ethnic, or most seafood, etc so I wasn't exposed to most of it. I have gotten much better when I got older and a bit from going out with my mom and sisters were we can have chinese, mexican, etc.

My Dad refused to even eat at Teppan Edo... which if you ignore the sauces is pretty much just grilled veggies with chicken or steak.

 

[LilyWDW]

I feel that there are different "levels" of picky eaters.

First, you have those who have a medical reason. It might be allergies, autism, sensory disorders, or whatever. I don't think most people would blame these children or their families for them being picky eaters.

Second, there are those who just, for whatever reason, don't like many foods. I have known people like this. They do try new things, but something is wired in them and they just don't like it. They have a limited diet and usually HATE it.

Finally, you have those who are picky eaters because they have been catered to. These kids do exist and sadly is that most people think about when they think "picky eaters". I had a cousin like this. His mother catered to his every whim and made him whatever he wanted. We would go to my grandmothers at Christmas and she would make him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and he would eat that with some jello (green stuff). Since he has moved out of the house he has widened his food choices... but when he was home he wasn't made to try anything new.

I also know someone else who can be a picky eater and, in her case, it was also a parental issue. However, this was done because of something they had called "no thank you helpings". They were made to eat a full serving of foods even if they hated them. When they left home, they rebelled by becoming a picky eater. They refused to try anything new and only ate the "staples" of stuff like plain rice, grilled cheese, spaghetti, ect.

 

[TN Hockey Mom]

DS10 is a VERY picky eater and DS12 not so much. For the record, they've been raised exactly the same.

First, I learned a long time ago, PICK YOUR BATTLES. I'm not arguing with DS10 over what he'll eat and what he won't. I'm not forcing him to eat anything. I've realized over time, he'll try things when he's ready.

Second, it's nobody's business what he'll eat and how we handle it.

 

[MSLRAC]

I personally think that most restaurants child menus stink. NOt only WDW. I think its ridiculous that children are expected to eat chicken nuggets, fries, mac and cheese and hot dogs at restaurants. I mean seriously what nutrional value is in these things? Why cant they just serve smaller portions of what else is on the menu?

None of my kids who are all teens now were picky eaters, of course I was raised differently and I raised mine the same way, they ate what I made and that was that. Certain allowances were made, like my son hated corn and my daughter wasnt a big meat eatter so they ate more of whatever else I served to make up for it.

NOw my step son who doesnt live with us but comes for a month or so in the summer is a picky eater and it was so frustrating. There was so much he didnt eat even things like peanut butter, chocolate and refused to use mint flavored toothpaste!

After a few years he learned that he had to eat what we served with some exceptions, he hates corn, and we eat alot of stir fry which he doesnt eat, then I make him something quick and easy, it was a nightly struggle at the table but we have gotten past that. COme to find out his mom is a picky eater and doesnt eat alot of things herself so it was the way he was being raised. We also found out that some of the things he refused, he did eat at home but his dad was giving in to him which enabled him and since then DH has put his foot down and we have little to no problems. I honestly feel alot of picky eating is a power struggle, like alot of other things with kids.

Children with special needs is a completely different situation tho, I agree taking them out of their comfort zone when they arent at home is never a good idea.

My experience with a picky eater made me appreciate even more my teens who eat almost anything but I can now also put myself in the shoes of parents that have picky eaters.

First and foremost, my response in regards to picky/fussy eaters and is NOT in response to children with medical issues that have caused them to have limited diets. There is a HUGE difference is the two.

But, I agree with you bluejasmine. Children's options are very limited everywhere and for the most part I see it as the industry catering to the "picky" eaters that they have helped create. My kids simply will not eat most of what is on the average child's menu so we have started ordering an adult entree for them to split.

A child is going to be a picky eater if you limit what you offer them or stop offering them something simply because they do not like it at this moment. If you consistently offer them (and make them taste) a variety of fresh fruits, veggies and proteins prepared in various ways, then sooner or later you will have a child that is an "adventurous" eater.

That said, it blows my mind when someone sees one of my kids eating plain steamed veggies, salad, steak or fish and comments on them being an adventurous eater and then says they wish their child was that way. There is nothing adventurous about those things and our kids are that way because we made them that way just like you made/allowed your kid picky.