Hi everybody! I'm taking care of a little boy, he's two and 1/2 years old, he doesn't like to eat by himself, doesn't touch the spoon, eats so slowly, I mean, very slow, barely opens his mouth, and I'm noticing that he keeps the food in his mouth, doesn't chew it. His mom says he has issues, he eats slowly, but I think it's more there. Any ideas, please? I'd like to help him eat better, but don't know how.
Just a few words, I know he's going, starting just a couple of weeks ago, speech therapy, he doesn't speak, you can't understand what he says, he was on occupational therapy, and he's gonna star that again. He plays, yes, and makes eye contact, I thought too that he could be autistic, because he could have a mild case, or there are a lot of other problems out there. I don't want to say anything to the mom, she knows he has problems, and she's taking him to therapy, I want to know how I could help him to eat, he's skinny, and regarding that part the mom says he's slow, maybe the OT is gonna help him on that? anyways, thanks to all, and if any ideas, let me know. Have a great day ladies!!!!!!!!!
K.:
It sounds like he is autistic. Set him goals to reach and if he reaches his goal, give him praise.
P. S
When the mom says he has issues, you might want to ask her what that means. He could be very delayed or have some medical issues that are far more complicated than him just not wanting to eat by himself. There are children born with terrible deficits due to the mom having taken drugs when she was pregnant. I am not suggesting this is the case with this mom at all, just that the average person doesn't realize the ramifications children suffer having been born a drug baby or he could be autistic. Talk to the mom and learn all you can about him or just really observe him and try to recognize other things that might not be quite up to par. Does he interact with you, make eye contact? Will he let you touch him without problem, or hold him easily? Does he play on his own? Just some thoughts.
Well try to put the spoon in his and show him how to feed himself.
You might have to let him sit there with the spoon and plate in front of him. The mother is not making him eat.
Hmmm... maybe call your children's pediatrician and see if they have any recommendations.
I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter who has started doing this similar thing as well. It is almost like she is regressing a little. SHe is VERY independent, but all of a sudden wants me to feed her when for the last year it has always been "let me do it!" from her mouth. If I let her do it, it takes her forever to eat, or she just picks and then goes to play. I have noticed that she will hold food in her mouth for a long time, too(I found her with a bite of chicken in her mouth almost 30 minutes after I gave it to her). I have suspected that it has something to do with her molars b/c she seems to want to suck on the food instead of chewing/swallowing and maybe that is what the little boy you are keeping is going through. Courtney is happy and healthy, though, so I am just assuming it is a phase that she will outgrow. Good luck!
He may need OT or feeding therapy. May have to do with muscle tone in mouth. Good luck! D. D
I know 2 year olds can be picky and wierd about food, but that doesn't sound normal... Have you expressed your concerns to his mom--she may just not know what's normal or not if this is her first child. I'd ask a pediarician. Is he a normal weight for his age?
It sounds like a medical issue. I would call your pediatrician for advice and also talk more specifically with the mother. Ask if she's had him seen by a pediatrician and suggest she does if she hasn't. Be sure she specifically brings up this issue.
My three year old sometimes tries to pull the same stuff she will say can you feed me. also it may be something medical or the parents have ruined the child by feeding him all the time and not making him learn by himself to prevent a mess. i knew a mom like that. it could also have to do with teething as posted b4
