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my picky eater

Sharon - posted on 03/15/2010 ( 3 moms have responded )

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My son Billy who has special needs has a little brother that's a picky eater. He goes to Grandma's or Momom's and he eats anything or everything! Then he's at home and only wants to eat certain things, even when I try to make something he likes he says no or I don't like that. I'll admit we don't really eat at the dinner table like we should, because my other son needs one on one help 24/7 and he has a g-tube, he can't eat himself. We've tried to have a normal dinner at a dinner table, but it doesn't seem to work out except maybe 2 or 3 times a year, if that. I just don't know what to do anymore? We try to have a semi-formal life for Billy's little brother, but its hard sometimes. My son Billy is 8 yrs old and had severe Cerbal Palsy and my other son is 4 yrs old and healthy/normal. I don't want to seem like I'm blaming my kids, but i don't know what to do anymore? Does anyone else out there have this prblem? What can you do? How?

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3 Comments

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Nikida - posted on 03/15/2010

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I have a 8 year old with spastic CP and his picky eater lil brother is 9.5 mos younger..IRONIC huh ummm I think the best thing we did was to be firm with the "were not a restaurant" approach and also not offering him foods we know will cause a power struggle as he does have some sensory and motor delays. He also sniffs his food which does not help much

Lesa - posted on 03/15/2010

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Here may be an idea.. how about a picnic type meal sometimes. I mean have him pic out things he likes to eat and then take it to the space/area where Billy is fed or even to the living room/dining room floor with Billy. Also maybe have little brother tell Billy things about the food or prepare plastic food for Billy. Even though he can't eat little brother may understand more if shown how special he is these foods are for him. Does that make sense? My son Daniel is able to eat but also has a G-tube feeding to keep him up on calories. Certain foods he can't eat or swallow well. His older brothers were a bit jealous of the attention. They were included in making the meals, bringing the cans or tubing to Daniel to help. It was special to them to even pick out clothes for their little brother. Just keep trying kids at that young age are always changing and trying things out.

Iridescent - posted on 03/15/2010

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It sounds like his picky eating is directly related to his need for attention from you specifically. Instead of catering, make a healthy meal. You can go by what he enjoys, or something else; offer a variety. Even though Billy is g-tube fed, he can sit at the table with his brother and you for the few minutes it takes to eat, and he can play with toys, or sit and be surrounded by other people. We do this with our daughter who is also g-tube fed. It's more inclusive. I do realize the need for 24/7 care with one child, and it is quite hard. When the little brother goes to Grandma's or Momom's, is Billy also with? If not, that might be a huge reason for the lack of behaviors there. If he does, what are they doing differently at the dinner table?

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