Speaking of food - how have you gotten a picky eater to eat?

[kellyb2000]

We are having the hardest time getting my 2-year-old to eat. At first we weren't too worried with it (which is probably our biggest mistake) but now it's really starting to bother me. The only thing he eats is biscuits and gravy for breakfast (sometimes pop-tarts but like that's good for him) and Wendy's chicken for lunch and dinner (yes, it has to be Wendy's). Sometimes I can get him to eat some Tyson chicken that I at least bake instead of fry. He'll eat french fries (again, I put them in the oven). The only thing "good" for him that he eats is apples, raisins, yogurt or grapes. I cut up a hot dog for him yesterday and he at least put it in his mouth, but immediately wanted it out! What do I do????? The funniest thing about this is my son is so big for his age. Everybody asks "what are you feeding him?" He's 2, but he's the average size of a 3.5 year old - 37 lbs., 37 in. tall!

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Neither of mine were terribly picky all the time, although they went through spurts. When they did though (yes even at 2) they didn't eat. We've always put meals on the table and either they ate it or they didn't. If they decided they didn't like something they generally found something they did like. Obviously we didn't do really exotic or super spicy when they were little - pretty basic with more variety entering in as they got older. Our pediatrician said not to worry -they would not starve themselves.

By the time they were 5 or 6 if they really could not find something they would eat as part of the meal THEY could get the bread and peanut butter out and make a sandwich.

Now as teenagers they are pretty adventurous eaters, especially when we go out. Our waiters on the cruise were amazaed at what they would eat. I guess the only downside is that my 17 yo DS doesn't like to make food decisions at home, like on a night when we are all running on different schedules and grabbing from leftovers, etc. because he didn't have to make those as a littler one. So I do keep a box of Hot Pockets in the freezer for him for those occasions.

Deb

 

[WDWMom]

I have very picky eaters (I take the blame for it all.) so I try to serve a variety of foods at dinner. They usually find something and if they don't too bad. Dr. says they won't starve so I don't stress. Now mine aren't two anymore so if they want they can make PBJ, but I won't do it for them.

 

[Spinning]

ok this is what I believe and what has worked iwth my kids.
I never fix a special meal for the kids. I do make sure I have something they like which is usually thankfully applesauce and cottage cheese.
I dont' worry if they skip a meal or eat very little. Kids will make up for it at the next meal. I also feel there is some foods no matter what peopel dont' like... Lima beans comes to mind!

I also put a little of each food on their plates. Always have. I dont' make a fuss the first time i put it on there. I will say give it a try but if they don't that is ok. I do this 3 days in a row. on the 3rd day they have to try it. (this is usually with veggies)

They say kids need to get use to the food before it is even slightly appealing. I also did this with me and peas! I hated peas all my life. Now I can at least eat them. Won't order them or cook them for myself. But will eat them with dinner. I am 42!

Also I feel you need to introduce foods all the time. If they didn't like somethign this month offer it again a month from now.
My DD just turned 9 and wow all of sudden she is trying everything and eating all kinds of things that she normally she would her nose up to.

So I say just stand your ground. Take one meal at a time. Start with breakfast since they say that is most important meal. Start offering things you feel better about him eating....good luck!

 

[Stacerita]

I use the "polite bite" rule to get the sweetpea to eat, well at least to get her to try things. She has to try things, give a bite or two, before making the decision not to eat it. And even if she passed on it the last time it was served, I still try to use the "polite bite" on her the next. Sometimes, it works out great and others not so much. But at least I got her to try it.

 

[robinb]

Kelly:

Have you talked to your pediatrician? I did over my DD's picky eating and she said not to sweat it and get into food battles. My 5 year old is a vegetarian (except for corn dogs ). She says she loves all animals and doesn't want to eat them. Okie-dokie. My DH and I are carnivores doing Atkins. I guess I'm lucky that my DD eats mac n cheese, pb&j and cheese pizza. At least I'm not going to Wendy's twice a day! Good luck .