Clarification

R.,

I remember my doctor tell us that kids will eat when they are hungry and go throw spirts of eating a lot to not eating at all. Some days all my girl wants to eat is olives, and my son won't touch them. Each child is different, I just keep offering different foods and continue to include the healthy ones that they like.

keep trying, you are doing a good job!

Hi R.!
Ha, I had to laugh when I read your post. My son was all about trying and eating everything when we first started solids. Now, it's a totally different story. He can be so picky. Loves soemthing one week and hates it the next. We've noticed we cannot look at him when he's eating or he'll spit out his food and try to give it to us. Sometimes, I give him the same thing a couple nights in a row (protein and veggies) if thats what works. The one thing he really loves is chicken hot dogs from Whole Foods. I buy the mixed veggies you can steam in a bag and cut them up and here's his dinner. He'll pick the veggies he feels like eating that night and the hot dog is always a hit. Every kid is different. You have to figure out what works for them and also give yourself some slack. Kids won't starve themselves and I've noticed my son will eat a ton one day and little the next. Good luck!

I'm sorry if you didn't feel that you got the support you should have when you wrote in before.
It is a stage. My son, for weeks would take everything back out of his mouth and hand it back to me. He seems to be coming out of it. Rest assured, things will improve. Shannon G.

Eating....such a stressor in our house. My 3.5 year old will not try anything new. She has her choice for breakfast and lunch, as long as a fruit and veggie are included. Dinner is what is served. I do let her pick the veggie or dinner for one night a week and things like that. But let me tell you, for over a year she did not eat dinner. We did not fight with her, eat or don't that is your choice. She eventually came around and will now even eat broccoli and asperagus tops. Good Luck, I know how frustrating meal time can be.

No worries. As long as your son isn't losing a significant amount of weight and the Dr. isn't concerned, you are doing fine. Just remember to keep trying different things and what he doesn't like one day, doesn't mean he won't like it another. Just like us, some things don't sound good but another day, it may hit the spot. As your son eats more solids I've heard of creative ways to "hide" veggies in things as well. For example putting cauliflower in mashed potatoes. You're doing a great job.

Hi R.,
I read your previous post and the responses, and wow... My daughter is 2 and is the same way. I do not think you are starving your son!! Toddlers are picky, but that doesn't mean you should cater to them, allowing them to only eat what they think is best! My daughter, like your son, will pick at her food, and usually only eat a few bites. When she starts to do more playing than eating, we remover her from the table. She never seems to get too hungry between meals. My friends' kids have all gone through this phase, and I think it is normal. If you are concerned about vitamins, etc., ask your pediatrician to recommend a vitamin. I think that is what we are going to do. You are doing fine, and don't let others make you think you are starving your child!!! Take care, and remember that this too shall pass, and he will be eating you out of house and home in a few short years!
E.

Hi R.,

You are not alone! I too have a picky eater. She stopped trying new foods at 11 months. (she is now 3.5) She goes thru phases when she will eat certain foods, and then all of a sudden no more. Over time her menu has expanded, but its nothing I can really take credit for. I can offer her a veggie on the plate everyday for a year, and she will not touch it. However, out of the blue at the grocery store she will decide she wants to try something completely unfamiliar, so we take it home and give it a go. Sometimes we're successful, sometimes not, but it gives me hope.

On the bright side - she doesn't like any candy. The only thing she will eat are hersey's kisses and they must be plain.

I just got the Deceptively Delicious cookbook for Christmas. I made the french toast yesterday, and it was a big hit. I am excited to try some more recipes.

Good luck!

I have a daughter who is just like your pickey eater. I know how you feel. I wanted to suggest a book too you that will help you in getting your picky eater all he needs. The book is called Deceptively Delicious Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food the book is by Jessica Seinfeld. Give it a try. Here is her web site http://www.deceptivelydelicious.com/site/