Picky Eaters? My sons has to be the worst... what can I do to get him to eat more?

Mo - posted on 11/28/2009

One other tip... my son is the same way and he is 3 and a half. We love V8 fusion. There is a full serving of fruits and veggies in 8 oz. He loves it. I can at least rest easy knowing he is getting fruits and veggies if the only thing he will actually eat is a hotdog.. LOL.

Kim - posted on 11/27/2009

Thank you for all the support and ideas... I do have my son on a multi-vitamin and he loves chocolate milk also.. I'll try the boost option and see how he does. He is in the 90-95% so I'm not too concerned with him losing weight... I just want to make sure we're not alone. My hubby says that once he starts looking frail and losing weight then we'll worry about what he is eating and how much... until then feed him what he wants (within reason)... I guess he is right.... I just worry too much! Thanks again!

Kristy - posted on 11/26/2009

My 4 year old is a nightmare when it comes to food also. The same thing even when it comes to food she likes its can be a real trying time. I also have tried all sorts of things dinner is our biggest argument as it can take over an hour to get her to eat a small amount of food, even if its things she loves. My issue is she is very small at 15kilos and only 97cms so i cope it from drs about her weight. The old adage of they will eat when they are hungry still applies at his age if healthy i would say. I would also possible recommend an multi vitamin and iron supliment, these can actually help increase appitite and will ensure he is getting everything he needs even with out food. As for the attention span try a omega fish oil, they can assist naturally with attention span and also brain power. My little girls dietitcian also told me the same thing, if she would eat 2 min noodles for breakfast then let her!!

Michelle - posted on 11/22/2009

I can sympathize with you Kim. My son is 3 years and 4 months. Up until the last 5 months or so, he would eat almost anything you put on his plate. I was always the "praised" mom who's child was totally diverse in his palate. Now, i don't know what's happened. Foods that he loved previously are now snubbed. From the moment the food is placed in front of him, he immediately hones in on the one (or more) items he has decided not to like. It is very frustrating! What seems to be giving me piece of mind is compromise. I'll discover a food he loves (most recently meatloaf - go figure) and put with it another item he chooses (like fruit) and then one item i'm rooting for (usually any other veggie :) ). Then, while we're eating, my husband and i normally challenge him to a race or something. Like, "i'm going to eat two beans before you can!!" and really try to make it fun. I've refrained from "making" him eat things i know he hates. It's really just more stress on the both of us. Also, don't worry to much about variety. If the only two veggies he'll eat are corn and green beans, use that to your advantage. Make sure one of those are on his plate and both of you will be happy! I just keep introducing new foods slowly and in small quantities. If i fix sweet potatoes and want him to try them, i'll normally give him a tiny taste of mine first. He's much more likely to be excited about tasting "mommy's food" than to be overwhelmed when he has a heaping portion on his plate. Good luck!

Amanda - posted on 11/22/2009

I don't have a suggestion but I know how you feel. My son just turned three and is picky too. He is fairly healthy but small for his age. I have tried the same thing you have and I don't get to far. He loves chocolate milk so I started getting the boost kid essentials , he loves them and at least I know he's getting some of the nutrients he needs. Maybe you should try that. I know it isn't easy being around family with a picky eater either my family says the same things to me. I just say "He will eat when he is hungry enough and change the subject. They have other flavors of the boost kids essential drinks to maybe if you try offering one of those along with his meals maybe he might eat more, and if he doesn't at least you will know he is getting the nutrients he needs. Hope this helps.