Comments on: Help With a (Stubborn) Picky Eater

By: Cathy Tibbles

Cathy Tibbles — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 04:47:53 +0000

Yes! Very frustrating… And a little worry-causing too. I have one – the middle one – very picky. Only likes about 3 or 4 things. Maybe this year she’s added 1 more sandwich type? I think so.

But we have the same rule as mentioned above, other than the kitchen closed rule, we have “thank you” bites. You must take ONE bit out of respect for the cook. Period. I don’t care if you gag it down, cover it with ketchup or swallow it whole, as long as there aren’t faces – which kind of negate the whole respect thing.

And with the third? She – I’m completely serious here – does not eat dinner. At all. I was convince and cajole and cater to her when she was a baby. Now? (she’s only 4) I give up. She doesn’t want to eat. Its only an hour before bedtime – maybe thats why? I don’t know. She’s ravenous in the morning and eats oatmeal – 2 bowls – bigger bowls than I could ever eat. But she doesn’t do dinner. EVER. Unless its pancakes.

Kids!!

By: melissa

melissa — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:42:37 +0000

i wish i had help… but i’m dealing with the same problem over here! its soooo frustrating!!

By: Sis

Sis — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:08:58 +0000

If its thing 4. She is my neice afterall and I was a horribly picky eater. Make her taste it and dont be a clean plater. Kitchen closed for those who didnt eat. She will come around.. Probably when she is in her 20′s and asks you why you didnt make all the cool food for her that she is now enjoying. (Dont tell mom but I even eat asparagus now)They dont need alot of food and kids, like dogs, wont starve themselves to death. Check out Juice plus gummies if you want to make sure they are getting what they need. The boys have grown about 3 inches apeice since we started them on it. There is a study out where if you sponsor a kid they get free gummies. Yours and theirs for the price of just yours.

By: jenn

jenn — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:25:26 +0000

my advice falls along the same line as the ladies above. we have the same rule about the kitchen. what’s for dinner is what’s for dinner – eat it or don’t. we also have a one bite rule. everyone must at least try one bit of what is served. if you like it and want more? great. if you like it but don’t want more? fine too. if you hate and and never want it again? thank you for trying. it’s helped my kids learn they actually like different things.

also, it’s a great idea to try to get her in the kitchen either through a kids cooking class but maybe even just in your home. can she help prepare the meal or just part of it? on a regular basis, i let the kids decide what they would like to be on the dinner menu for the week (within reason) but the rule is, if they choose the meal, they have to help make it. i cannot tell you have many new things my kids have tried simply because they chose and helped prepare it.

my only other advice is not too put too much pressure on her. the more we push, the more kids seem to hold their ground. it sounds like the issue is mainly a dinner thing and she is eating well the rest of the day. might her non eating in the evening have to do with snacking before dinner? my 10 year old loves milk and milk is one of the things in the house the kids never have to ask permission to have. but if i am not careful to remind him, he’ll drink a glass of milk right before dinner and then not want a bite to eat at meal time.

and try not to worry about it too much. i’m sure she’s getting the nutrition she needs from all the other foods she eats every day.

good luck and hang in there. remember, you are a good mom! a very good one. all of those kids are lucky to have you

By: Beth

Beth — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:35:48 +0000

Riley has about 5 things he’ll eat, and that’s it. When he was smaller he wouldn’t eat anything but pasta. I spoke with the pediatrician about it, and she said, “Then give him pasta. Make it up in giant batches and microwave some when he’s hungry.” Other docs I’ve talked with have said the same thing. One said that giving him a good multivitamin and making sure he gets milk frequently, should keep him just fine.

I do try to introduce him to new things, but don’t do forced trials. The few times I was forced to try food are seared into my brain – very traumatic – involving tears and even vomitting in one instance. I continue to be a picky eater, though I do try things more than I had in the past (had cauliflower for the first time at the dinner the other night), and I am certainly in no risk of starving! I think foods that are a combination (like Hamburger Helper) is in the same vein as foods touching on a plate – simply not acceptable!

Maybe sign her up for a kids cooking class (Young Chef Academy across from Lewis Gayle) so she can explore food on her own terms and see other kids trying things?

By: Heather @ Not a DIY Life

Heather @ Not a DIY Life — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:48:35 +0000

Does she see you eating the food? That’s been a big key for us avoiding the pickies. Another good tip is that she has to eat a few bites. Either 2 bites or the number of bites = her age in years. Whichever is better for you.

I’m finding with LB that she just doesn’t need as much food as I think she does. as long as she has a few bites of everything, she won’t starve. We offer wholesome snacks too, but not too close to dinnertime. If she is hungry close to dinnertime, have veggies or fruit for her to snack on and consider that part of her dinner.

Hope this is helpful! Hugs!