C.W.
Hi A.-
I have a boatload of kids...and made a decision EARLY on that I was not a short order cook. Peanut butter sammies were always an option...and in fact I was convinced my second eldest son would NEVER eat anything but PB sandwiches...lol. BUT, every meal I would present him with a plate of dinner, and the rule was he had to 'touch it with his tongue'...It was not a battle I was willing to fight...
Fast forward...he is now soon to be 21...eats (and cooks) a variety of foods...and a junior in college!
Also, as a side note, I have a daughter (now 14) who was on a feeding tube from birth due to some severe cardiac/respiratory issues. Over the years I was able to juggle tube feeds to strictly over night. I did the same with her (presented same food as her sibs at meal time...kept her at table with us for 'socialization' more than the food...had her touch it with her tongue)...and LO and BEHOLD...slowly...over YEARS...she now eats only by mouth (something docs said would never happen)...
So...my advice is patience...perserverance...routine... love...and focus on social aspects...worked for me even with a 'hopeless' case!
Hang In!
Michele/cat