My 3 Year Old Will Only Eat Chicken Nuggets

This was gluten intolerance here. They crave what they are not tolerant to, because it gives an opiate like high.

L.

Same think happened with my sons so I don't have any advice to you but to KEEP OFFERING OTHER FOODS!! Even if he doesn't eat them. I very much wish that I would have done this. I chose the path of least resistance and fed them only what they would eat and quickly gave up on giving them anything new. So now they are extremely picky eaters with very limited food choices. I make them try everything now but I think their palates are dulled by bland food.

Good luck to you!

Hi L.,

My 4 yr old son only eats chicken nuggets ...too. It must be a phase they go through...I'm not worried about it...he does eat broccoli on occasion and only pasta with butter. Hates red sauce but when I was his age...I also hated red sauce and my parents are from Italy...now I can't wait to eat pasta with red sauce. so my point is that, as they get older they will appreciate food more. Don't worry so much. Give him a vitamin or I give my son Carnation instant breakfast...he loves it.

Hi L., when I worked at Head Start we used to ask the children to take "No Thank You" bites. You might want to try this with your son. Give him the chicken nuggets then put other items on his plate such as fruits and vegetables. Then tell him he may eat his chicken nuggets but before he can get down from the table he must take a bite of each thing on his plate and then if he does not like that thing he may say "No Thank You" and be done with it. I tried this with my own children too and it worked with them. Good Luck!

I'm a pediatric dietitian and see this all the time. First, to say you should force him to eat other things is not correct. You really can't make anyone eat anything. BUT, if you are making chicken nuggets every night, I'm sure that's what he'll eat. Many professionals will say make the kids what you are having and that's what they get. Period, or don't eat. Knowing many parents find this difficult, I would say that you offer one food at each meal you are reasonable sure he will eat, one he may try, and one long shot. If you truly want him to eat something besides chicken nuggets, it can not be chicken nuggets every time. Its definitely a balancing act. You have to remember a couple of things. 1st- its your job to provide good and nutritious food at appropriate times, and it is your childs job to decide how much or whether to eat. 2nd- if your child chooses not to eat, you are not starving him. 3rd- do not put emotion into this. Make the food, put it down, do not engage in conversation over it or any bargaining agreements. Eat it or not. That said, you can give him stickers or stamps for behaving well at the table and eating appropriately.

I have to say that i'm on the same train as your husband. I have friends who have 6 year olds who still won't eat anything but yogurt and a few other things because they didn't lay the groundwork early. Your son will not starve. He may skip a few meals, but he will eventually get really hungry and will eat what is put in front of him.

We are fortunate that our son will at least try most of what is put on his plate (we only ask that he try everything - doesn't need to eat it all if he doesn't like it). But we also tie eating dinner to snack time. If he eats his dinner (takes at least bites of everything), he gets his snack. If he decides he doesn't like it we will allow him to eat something else, but he has to at least try. Also - i try to have at least one thing on the dinner table that I know he likes - like a side of noodles or something. It's as simple as that. And he knows that we mean it - if he doesn't eat, he can't have ice cream or a cookie or whatever he wants to have for his dessert. This motivates him. Not sure how it would work for other kids.

My son is 2, and a fairly good eater, but in this house what there is to eat is what there is to eat. You don't have to eat it, but you'll be hungry until the next meal. I DO offer my son choices-- "Do you want yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast?" "Applesauce or banana for snack?" etc. The only choice he gets at dinner is milk or water. There are a couple of foods he really doesn't like (like we all have) and so if we're having one of those for dinner I make sure that side dishes are things he does like. But the 2 year old is not in charge. (I say that all the time!)

If you aren't willing to make that drastic of a change, let me suggest one other thing. My son will eat ANYTHING (I swear, he'd eat liver and onions) if he has DIPPERS! That can be ketchup (the organic kind usually is pretty low-sugar), hummus, or our favorite, ranch dressing made with greek yogurt rather than mayo. Dr. Preagers has great fish nuggets and veggie nuggets that can be dipped. You can get them at Trader Joes or Whole Foods. Broccoli can be dipped (we call it "Snow on Trees", etc. Fruit can be dipped in yogurt. We also make a PB& Banana sandwich and cut it out with a star cookie cutter. Be creative! But be in charge! Food can be fun, but it is your job to make sure that he's getting what he needs.

Hey L., I am somewhere in between the both of you. While I won't force my 3 kids to eat things, I absolutly refuse to serve only one thing on a daily or even a weekly basis, other than fruits and vegies of course. If he is hungry, he will eat, simple as that. Offer chicken nuggets once or twice a week and encourage him to eat a variety of foods. Don't force or make a big deal if he doesn't eat, but praise him and celebrate with hugs, high fives etc when he does eat something different. I have seen your question over and over from so many moms, I have always wondered, how do kids get to this stage of eating only chicken nuggets?? I would also encourage you look at the nutritional value of the chicken nuggets you are serving, it may scare you....

Hi L., This compromise worked fairly well at our house: You have to eat at least one bite of everything on your plate. If you don't like it, no problem...there's peanutbutter and jelly in the kitchen! If you are not carefull you will end up cooking different meals for everyone in your family! Not Good!! Family meals can easily become a battle-ground if you don't take control of them when your children are little. It's okay if he goes to bed hungry a couple of times...when he figures out that you are serious he will begin to eat what is put in front of him. Keep your seasoning light, try to balance new things with things he likes, and make sure that you & your hubby are consistant. If you give in just once your done. Best wishes.

I've been thru similiar situations with my children. Some may say that this method isn't correct, but this is what we do when this starts to happen. We stop making the "addicted" food all together. Then offer the different foods you want your child to eat. Children can go a long time (days) without eating a lot of food. But usually after one missed meal/refussal to eat, your child is willing to try whatever you put in front of them. I have 3 small children who all have very different preferences about food, but I can't make 4 different meals every time we eat. At breakfast and lunch it's a little easier to cater to what they prefer, but at dinner time - you eat what is served or you just don't eat!! This method worked very well for us and after my daughter missed a dinner or two and realized that we were very serious, she started eating whatever we made and realized that she really does like the different foods that she refussed to eat for so long!
If you know that there is something that your child does not eat simply because he really doesn't like it (has tried it several times and can just not get it down) then obvously don't even bother forcing him to eat it, but do put it on his plate. I believe that the statistic for getting children to like something is by offering it over and over again and at least getting them to try it 15 times before the develope a taste for it. But there are always the exceptions, in my house my son can just not eat cooked carrots and my oldest daughter mashed potatoes...but we still put a little bit on the plate. Just like us as adults their tastes and texture preferences change.
I know it sounds mean, but if you want your child to learn to like a variety of foods you need to not just encourage them to eat it. They need a little more than just encouragement sometimes...you need to stay in control of this situation. Remember that your asking because you love your son and want him to be healthy, so just consider this tough love! Chicken nuggets are not the best food in the world for your son to only eat, so it's important to make him eat a more well balanced diet. Otherwise in the future you will be dealing with a much more difficult situation!
Good luck on this one and let us know how things turn out for you and your son!

I also have a 3 year old boy who loves his chicken nuggets...he is reluctant to try new things too. So this is kinda dumb, but he likes watching a show on Nick Jr called Yo Gabba Gabba...they have this segment on once in awhile that is about trying new foods. They sing songs called "try it...you'll like it" and "there's a party in my tummy" and they are about trying new foods and all of the foods are having a party in your tummy and the "new food" feels left out. it sounds so stupid, but that segment actually made him try new things! now he sings the songs when he is trying new foods :) so make it fun and maybe that will help! but i agree with not forcing him to eat...it's typical for this age for them to only like 1 or 2 things. as long as my son is eating something, I'm happy!

Dad is right, it's a parents job to force a child to be healthy. 3 year olds don't know better, and they don't shop. Even if you're giving him home made nuggets from organic chemical free healthy chicken, and he's not getting all the hormones and chemicals and preservatives in the frozen and Mcdonalds ones, he's still lacking his veggies, fruits and whole grains. You're not feeding his muscle mass or building his immunity, and you risk behavioral issues form a depleted brain. He needs healthy fats like avocados, almond butter and eggs for his noggin. If you decide to compromise, a good way to get kids to eat things they don't like, is to give a tiny bite or two, and if they eat it, they get what they like. Like a bit of a nugget. You gradually increase portions and variety as they grow to like other things. If they don't eat it-nothing but water until next meal. No tantrums allowed. It's better to skip a few meals than eat unhealthy ones ALL the time. Don't let a 3 year old control you!
Good luck!

I grew up in a strict military family and the rule was you eat what is on the table! Simple and easy rule! Now as a Mom of three I have the same rule with one exception...if I know there is something they just cannot stand (they are not just being picky) then that item is still placed on the plate in hopes that at some point they will grow to like it. Also that item must be "tried" again every couple months-tastes do change. All other items on the plate must be eaten although we do NOT have the clean plate rule. Sometimes I know I can have tendencies to be like my Dad with strict rules and have learned to back down and loosen up on lots of rules but when it comes to nutrition- I am not willing to back down. Tough love is sometimes a last resort especially when it comes to their health and future eating habits. They will thank you later. My children love chicken nuggets too and they are very excited when they show up on the dinner table! All things in moderation. Sometimes we even eat breakfast for dinner or sometimes we skip dinner and make our own ice cream sundaes for DINNER. It is not always hard core in my house but on most nights I do say "Sorry that's what is for dinner" when my 7 or 3 year old says something like..."awwww I don't like green beans". We even make a games out of eating the picky items and always talk about the importance or trying new things and my 7 year old even likes to research what is "beneficial" to the body about the different foods. One final idea that has helped us-----if you have your son help prepare the meals and feel like he has some ownership of the preparation of the food he will be more willing and excited to try it.

Good luck!

L.,
I've got a kid who seeks out shrimp, mushrooms and onions so in a way I can't relate. I just wanted to suggest Morningstar Farm vegetarian "chicken" nuggets. My son says they are the "best in the world" and they are healthier.

I wouldn't "force" him to eat anything but keep offering other stuff!

I think I have a different perspective because our family is made up of two vegetarians and two meat eaters so I make two different meals every time I cook. That said I disagree completely with forcing your child to eat anything. What emotional baggage do you think that will bring later in life? I grew up poor and we ate a lot of the same foods because they were what my parents could afford and as long as they are balanced there really is nothing wrong with eating the same thing every day. Someone already suggested the morningstar farms nuggets (which my meat eaters will eat so that should tell you they are good enough) and that might be a good start. You could do a few veggie nuggets and a few meat if you wanted that way you know he is getting a good balance. He will grow out of the phase though. My son who is almost 9 wouldn't eat anything but quesadillas and yogurt for almost a year when he was this age, now he eats just about anything. (He can't have fish because he's allergic) When my daughter (who is 4) decided she didn't want to eat meat anymore my husband kept trying to force her to do so and there would be huge fights and melt downs at the table. Finally I decided I would not buy any meat one week when I went to the store. I made sure there was NO meat or meat products in the house and served vegetarian food at every meal. The first day he didn't complain but by day 2 he was getting annoyed with no meat alternative and on the 3rd day when he said "where's the beef" I responded with "I'm forcing you to be vegetarian" he has never pushed my daughter to eat meat again. We all make our choices in life and assuming because they are small that they don't have a voice is a horrible thing to do to a child. Yes as parents we have to make rules and there are areas that can't be negotiated but giving children areas that they can make their own choices helps them to find their own voice. Later in life when they know how to make decisions and stand up for what they know is right you can pat yourself on the back. Good luck!

Please do not make him eat what he doesn't want. Lots of time it's the texture of the food, not the taste. As a child I was forced to eat food I didn't like. I would sit at the table for an hour or so just looking at it, then get sent to my room with no dinner or dessert. I went to bed hungry alot. Then I started to trade with my siblings that if they ate my dinner, they could have my dessert. Still went to bed hungry, but not in trouble. Now as an adult I am a horrible eater. I do not like vegt, some fruits and my food is very bland. I find it hard to introduce things to my boys because I wont eat it. I do not make my kids try anything unless I think they may like it. I feel the more things they try that they like will make them more willing to try things. The more they try things they wont like, they will not be willing to try anything new. It is difficult but I do hear not to fret because they will eat better as they get older. I hope so because I know how I turned out.

At 3, you will only get a battle of wills when it comes to eating. My son was like this at that age, and until he was about 5. We would give him whatever we were eating and, if he didn't want it he couldn't have anything else unless it was a healthy snack: yogurt, cereal, etc. -- but nothing I had to made so I wasn't making two dinners, but he wasn't living on junk. My son just turned 18 and eats most things and is eager to try new dishes. I think him having choices helped.

Good luck

There is not much you can do but try other things. Atleast introduce one new thing once a week and have him try it. My preditrician said if they eat one good meal a day thats par for the course. I am still having issues and my daughter is 4 it started at around 2 and 1/2. She will atleast try one bite of a new thing but is she doesnt like it I have had her hold it in her mouth and not swallow for awhile. If they dont like something and hold their mouth closed for entry not much you can do. I have heard to hold back meals and then when they are hungry they will then eat a full meals. Also cut back on drinks like juices, milk and water. I know its hard I get angry too at times. Being angry doesnt solve the problem nor help. I have taken mashed potatoes and stuck corn on it and just shoved it her mouth and she swalloed but she has never to this day ever spit it back out at me
so that I know "we are good". Explaining to them they need to eat to get big and strong goes alittle ways too. I also have given her Boost Kids Essentials told her its a milkshake and she drank it for awhile. Then atleast I knew she got her nutrients.
You try whatever you can and keep trying!
Good Luck
S.

I would never force him to eat anything. Continue to offer him other options to eat. Make sure he sees you eating different things & enjoying them (say things like "yum! I love broccoli" etc). Perhaps fix him a plate of several items, and only a few nuggets. If he eats the nuggets and nothing else but wants more nuggets, tell him he must try to eat the other things before he can have more nuggets.

Keep offering, but don't be too forceful. Hope that helps!

I know I may get an earful for this one, but I think you should limit the chicken nuggets. I know this sounds mean, but if he is hungry enough he will eat. I'm not saying to offer him something weird but everyday kid friendly choices. Maybe limit the nuggets to twice a week. My nephew was just like that. I one time hid a string bean inside a ziti noodle hoping to trick him. He ate the whole forkful then spit out the green bean. :) Kids sometimes need to try something 10 times before they like it and sometimes they never will. Good Luck.

Let him eat them, but also keep offering him what u are making.. Or u can go the other aprouch where this is what we are having for dinner u can sit and eat or not eat and go to bed.. If u have the time.. ask him to help u in the kitchen or picking what u are to have for dinner.. I have my kids help me where they can in the kitchen, and in the store when we are buying the food. It might help them see that there are diffent types of food beside chicken nuggets.. Or try a couple of different chicken dishes.. There might be something in the chicken that his little body is craving..

How about a calender on the fridge with chicken nuggets 2 days a week. This way if he gets upset you can show him what nights you will be having it. You can also blame it on the calender and tell him oh well...that is what is says for tuesday...so i have to make that. Just an idea :)

My kids are a little older so i have come up with something that works for us. I wrote down about 20 dinners that i make on index cards. Then i had the kids rate them 1-10. This way i can see what the majority likes. Also if one child was very helpful that day i will check their card and make one of their favorites. I also have let them write on index cards if there was something that they would like to add/ change to the meal next time. I have got some cute compliments and fun ideas from them :)

Not sure if this will work for you, but it does work on my son. He's never been an adventurous eater and I try not to push it too much. But I've found that it's easier to get him to try new foods when I'm eating them. For some reason he always seems to want what's on my plate and I find that I get him to try alot of things that he probably wouldn't try if I just put them on his plate. Maybe some reverse physchology will work.

My oldest son is just like this. He just turned 5. He has very slowly started trying more things. Very slowly. I had tried to force him to eat what we were eating, but seriously it wasn't worth all the stress, and he never did eat. My rule now is he must try 1 bite before saying he doesn't like something. I make something that I know he likes with dinner (usually) and he has to try a bite of everything else. It's a slow process with him. But, I tried the strict way and it didn't work for me. He is really afraid of trying new food and I just had to accept that and slowly he has been trying and liking different things.

I agree with you, L.. I think your husband is misguided.

Recently, I had a huge bacon craving. That's all I wanted. I bought 4 packages, and ate bacon at practically every meal. After a few days, I didn't want bacon at every meal. The next week, I think I had it once or twice. Then not for a couple of weeks. I had bacon twice this past week. It didn't taste as good to me as it had that first "binge" week, but it was still good. That is called something like the Rule of Diminishing Returns. If all he wants is nuggets, and he can't have them, their value skyrockets. If he can have them, they don't seem scarce, and their value diminishes.
What I'm saying is...Make him chicken nuggets.
We all have things we love to eat. I have coffee Every Day. Your son eats chicken nuggets Every Day. I'd wager, that if hubby calmed down and just accepted that right now, you'd feel better, he'd feel better, your son would feel better, and the relationships would improve.

On the side though, try to figure out what it is he likes about chicken nuggets. Maybe b/c they're so fast to make? Maybe the crunchiness? Maybe he likes that you can pick them up? There's lots of nugget-form things at the store. Buy a bunch of them and invite him to do a taste test with him--but do it in a spirit of fun and like a game, not in a hunt for a replacement or to make him eat other things. Just enjoy nuggetdom together.

This note is a bit all over the place, and I apologize for that. I think the most important thing here is the relationship you have with your son, not his diet today or this week. So, focus on what makes the relationship the best, and fit all the other stuff in around that. Don't make a chicken nugget more important than the relationship.