Any Advice on Getting a STUBBORN 5 Year Old to Try New Food, or Any Food?

Since your son is 5, I bet he would like to be involved in some of the food planning. Getting your son involved some of the time would encourage him to try what he had just helped to make.
Also, most kids at this age especially go through a stage where they just aren't interested in eating very much.
But, if you go to a book store, you will find an ample array of books in the eating section on how to get you child involved and that will make him want to try some new things that he probably won't know is different.

My advice is to bribe your child with a cookie. This is how I got my son to eat broccoli. Most people have dessert with their meals anyways, so the way I see it is, if your son eats his food that you put before him, allow him dessert, like a cookie or a small piece of candy. As for Grandma, and everyone who reads this will probably flip out, well this is what grandmas do, they spoil, weither or not you are divorced. I am sure the grandma isnt trying to be mean, just wants her grandson to be happy. Dont give into his threats, let him tell on you. Unless this is a messy divorce, they are not going to say anything about it. (by the way, my daughter tells me she is gonna tell on me to papa or grandpa, so I can relate) I understand that divorce is hard on everyone, but as long as you keep being consistant with your son, no matter how bad dad is, he will come around. My sister is divorced and her ex was the same way. She has 3 wonderful almost teenagers now.

I would turn it back around on him and when he tells you that he's going to tell on you, let him know that you're going to tell his grandma how bad he's been acting.

I would also try to talk to both his father and grandma about how he behaves when he comes home all hyped on sugar, and ask them to try and watch what they are feeding him and allowing him to get away with. It seems like he thinks his Nanny is the boss of you, which is not something you need in your home.

First of all, I would suggest having a sit down with the grandmother and your exhusband. I realize this may not work since they may see you as just being a mean mom. However, if you child is not eating any good food, it will really hurt him over time. However, I have had my girls doctors tell me that sending them to bed...or away from the table won't hurt them. They may hold out for a couple of days even! But, if you offer them only the good stuff, then when they are hungry enough, they'll eat it. And, I wouldn't start out with something like brussel sprouts! LOL Start with something that kids normally like....such as Mac and Cheese or grilled cheese sandwich or even all beef hotdog! Don't keep the junk food in the house. Then, let him go through and pick what he wants to eat.

My nephew is a good sized 3 year old, but he eats very little. however, when he does, it's usually bacon or some kind of meat. The doctor has said, as long as he isn't replacing his eating with just pure sugar to let him eat what he wants. The problem is that your son may not be getting ANYthing beneficial. So if he does go to eating less, that's ok...just make sure he's getting some good stuff, too.

Hope this helps. I'm sure it'll always be a struggle as long as he's spending time elsewhere, but be patient. You are doing great!!!

my 10 year old son has been a picky eater since birth. He doesn't like veggies at all, but I make him eat a certain amount of veggies each night or he cannot leave the table. We found a certain vegetable, meat, and so on that each of our boys likes. Bryant likes green beans spiced up with some salt, pepper, butter and sugar, he loves em. My five year old, he is a bit different, he LOVES corn, and the only meat he really likes is chicken. Maybe try to figure out certain foods that appeal to his taste buds. Sweet potatoes would be a great start. And try to plan meals including those foods. Eventually, he will want more of those foods rather than candy and sugar. Do NOT let him walk on you. You are the parent not him. My 5 year old used to want ice cream and candies and junk before dinner, but now, you put a bowl of ice cream in front of him and a bowl of corn in front of him, he eats the corn THEN the ice cream when he is finished without me having to say a word. Remember, you are the mother, don't let your ex husband and his mother control your child, they are simply trying to "buy" his affection. Try to get his school involved as well. If you talk to his teachers about the issues you are having, they may be able to work with him during the week, or at the very least, they know your child, and may be able to give you advice on what would work with Your son.

My stepdaughter is nine. She has been that way since she was born. we have tried everything, we have finally decided that if she is hungry, she will eat. she isnt going to starve! Just tell him that here is the food, when he is hungry he can eat it, he will not get anything else until he eats. he'll learn. It will just take a while. Good luck!

I agree. They need to be told to knock it off.

you need to tell your hubby and nanny that they need to watch what they are feeding your son...and if they can't do what you ask, then don't let oyur son go over there.