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RyaneM
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| Posted: May 18 2007 at 9:07am | IP Logged
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Ok ladies...
I am a young mom who could use some advice from all you Mommy veterans. My son, who just turned 2, is (and has been for some time) an extremely picky eater. He LITERALLY only eats whole wheat Eggo waffles (will also eat crackers/cookies but we limit these). Nothing else. nada. As in no meat, fruit, or veggies.  Up until a couple of weeks ago he was also eating yogurt but has refused to eat any in te last couple of weeks. He won't even try things. Yesterday I tried to sneak a bit of peanut butter sandwiched between his crackers and he took a bite and spit it right our.
He does nurse at nap and bedtime, but at this point I don't know what nutritional value that is adding.
He has been prescribed liquid vitamin drops and I have tried mixing those in with his yogurt (when he was eating yogurt) The vitamin drops look like iodine and don't taste any better. He won't take chewable or gummy vitamins.
Anyone else experience this? I don't know what to do. I am at a total loss and it makes me want to cry that he won't eat more.
TIA,
Ryane 
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Paula in MN
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| Posted: May 18 2007 at 9:43am | IP Logged
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I'm a very picky eater, and I think part of the problem is because as I child I would turn my nose up at the "look" of certain foods and my mom did not make me try eating them. I have only been eating mushrooms for the last 6 or 7 years - I can't believe what I missed out on!
My two youngest are 8 and 5, respectively. If I make something new, they have to try at least two spoon or forkful's. I don't give them huge servings, so it is not a problem. They might whine about it, but they know that is the rule.
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 Paula
A Catholic Harvest
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MommyD
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| Posted: May 18 2007 at 10:16am | IP Logged
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Well, if he has only just turned 2, there really isn't a lot you can do. They sure can be strong-willed, can't they?? Just keep offering him new things and eventually he'll eat more. I have a 6 year old who is VERY picky but we're slooooooowly getting him to try more.
And don't worry, when he is 16 this will just be a funny story!!
Melissa
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RyaneM
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| Posted: May 18 2007 at 10:56am | IP Logged
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Melissa,
That is basically exactly what my ped. said. He reminded me that this is a very stubborn age and to just keep offering over and over, but not to get too stressed out about it.
I guess I just worry that he is getting enough nurishment for his brain to develop properly and all. He seems fine (he's smart, curious and always into mischief  )
Thanks for the reassurance. I keep telling myself that this too shall pass.
Ryane
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Mackfam
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| Posted: May 18 2007 at 10:56am | IP Logged
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I couldn't agree more with Melissa! My now 6 yo son started off pretty picky, but can now put away 2 full size burgers!! Have hope!
Here are some practicals that I've learned with my picky eaters.
Cook for your sure thing - your dh! My mom taught me this, and it has been very helpful when fretting over what to cook because this one likes this, but this one only likes it cooked this way, etc. This way, you're sure at least someone will eat what you cook.
I have virtually eliminated snacks. I'm not a nazi about this! Obviously, some times daddy is late and dinner is delayed and the kids need a snack. But...I found I was sabotaging all possibilities for any eating because the kids were snacking. They were good and healthy snacks mind you, but it meant nothing substantial went in at mealtime. Now, I have a 2 yo too, and know they prefer snacking to sitting still for a meal. I felt really guilty about eliminating a lot of snackys for him, but my dh told me to stop because he just wasn't eating anything good. Guess what! He started eating a little more at meal time, probably because he was hungry! Go figure!
My last tactic involves taking what they will eat and redeeming it. For example, your ds likes whole wheat eggos. That's not a bad start. See if he'll eat butter, get the real stuff - not margarine. Little people need lots of good, healthy fats for their growing bodies. Now, how about some jam. You can get some good varieties that are fruit only, no added sugar. If you can get that far you've got grains, dairy, fat, and fruit covered in a few bites on a waffle.
Then just be patient. I so identify with your heartbreak when it seems they haven't eaten more than 2 bites of anything in a whole week. A mommy just longs for her kids to eat! Change in his appetite will come. Just do your best to set up good habits around eating - no bargaining or begging - these set up eating disorders in the future.
Our rules are simple: I cook it, if you're hungry, you can eat it. No complaining ever about the food put on the table. If you don't like what is served, you can sit with the family for dinner, but you don't get anything else. I am not a short order cook.
HTH. Good luck.
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doris
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| Posted: May 18 2007 at 11:26am | IP Logged
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I can relate. I can remember when my dd was about 2, she would go for days eating nothing but a bowl of cereal and some hula hoops (chips).
Now she's 6 and much, much better. You just have to try not to lose your nerve...
Practical tips. Put a small amount on his plate -- not so offputting. Lots of praise if he finishes it. Look at dessert time as another opportunity to get calories in -- ie not just a reward for good eating for the main course. Eat with him wherever possible so it's not just him, a plate of food and you eyeballing it.
Maybe when he's a bit bigger -- just get him to lick foods to try them even if he won't actually eat them -- eg halve a grape, let him lick it -- he may be surprised by how nice it is!
Presentation really helps -- so faces made out of fruit, sandwiches cut into fun shapes. And company! When we were visiting friends, their 2yo was also going through an awful eating phase. But she saw my gang sit down and devour a plate of pasta, and lo and behold she thought it would be pretty cool to eat up as well.
The main thing is to try not to worry (easier said than done, I know). Kids pick up on this. They're also good at pushing your buttons. This is one small area of control and they do like to use it at times! But have faith that children do not voluntarily starve themselves. I'm no expert on extended nursing but I'm sure that is also providing your son with lots of nutrition.
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Home educating in London, UK with dd (2000) ds (2002), dd (2004), ds (2008) and dd (2011).
Frabjous Days
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RyaneM
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| Posted: May 18 2007 at 3:38pm | IP Logged
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Thanks everyone!! What great suggestions!
Ryane
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Topic: How do you handle picky eaters?
