Hi moms,
My nephew is six and has always been a picky eater. I always thought this is something he would grow out of, but it seems to be getting worse. He eats a few select (very specific) things...white rice, noodles with no sauce, tortillas, white bread with peanut butter only, white bread with mustard only, etc. He literally dry heaves if he tries chicken or meat. I worry that he doesn't get the proper nutrients and sometimes I wonder how he has the energy to play sports and just get by day to day with such little protein intake. My sister is very concerned, as well, but is at a complete loss with what to do. Does anyone have any suggestions I could pass along to her that might help her with this problem?
Have you tried involving him in the cooking process. Pick a recipe that simple and fun to make together like a smoothie, popsicle, etc.. and let him participate in making it. The more independence he has in cooking and the more that he knows about the foods he's eating, what they do in his body (helping build muscles, etc) the more excited he will be about trying them!-www.weelicious.com
occupational Therapy. aka OT. Usually they deal w/ this is younger kids, but, I have to assume an older child could benefit. Your local children's hospital should have a feeding clinic. good luck.
I think all children would eat this way if you let them. One of my kids (5.5 years old) is SUPER picky, but we feed her what everyone else is eating anyway. Sure, this means that some meals she doesn't eat anything, but so far she shows no signs of starving to death. And she is getting less picky as she gets older because she has no choice but to at least try everything on her plate, and to her surprise, sometimes she actually likes the food once she tastes it. I don't make any comments about what she does or doesn't eat, and she knows that if she makes any commentary (such as, "Eeew! Gross!") then she goes straight to her room and gets no dinner.
I am absolutely against making separate meals for children. I think it trains them to only eat a few things, and then they become very tedious at dinner time. I would say, just feed him what everyone else is eating, and let the chips fall where they may.
Your mention of his gagging on meat is concerning. This sounds like more than being "picky". It is possible for a child to have a swallowing disorder. A doctor could evaluate your nephew to see if that is what is going on. There are treatments for this, if this is what is wrong.
He could also have something called 'leaky gut' of which causes some foods to actually convert to an opiate in the brain because they are able to pass through the blood/brain barrier. He could be craving the very foods that he is 'allergic' too. I completely agree with the one that suggested Occupational Therapy. An area to look into for LOTS of great information is actually for kids with autism. They have laid the groundwork for those with food issues. Check out www.tacanow.org for suggestions on where to start - Look for the GF-CF Diet and go to Picky Eaters.
He's a bit older then my son, but my son does not like meat of any sort either. However, if I give him the small (cylindrical) sticks of jerky, he loves it. May be something to try.
kids have a hard time with texture. my daughter is really good about not eating things due to texture. it is not an easy path, but she is 11 yrs and finally getting to try new things. lots of drinks have protein or something in it to replace the things they have in food til he gets past it....maybe that will work.
It doesnt sound like there is a concern for his weight. Kids are usually very picky and selective eaters. Try protein shakes. Will he eat quesadillas or grilled cheese? soups, veggies (raw or cooked) or any kind of greens?
Ellyn Satter is a dietitian who specializes with kids and she has several books out. I think there is one on "How To Get Your Kid to Eat..." She is excellent and there may some helpful tools in her book.
We have a very picky 3 year old. Every night usually at bed time
he has a big drink of toddler formula which smells like a
super milk shake.
