3 year old will not eat, so picky. Only weighs 26 pounds

Leslee - posted on 09/04/2011

Gina, my son had similar issues, but also started having abdominal pain last year. At 14 years old he only weighed 79 lbs. He was finally diagnosed with delayed gastric emptying. It takes his stomach 3X the normal time to process and digest food. And he has abdominal migraines. Not the same scenario as yours, but he didn't like the pediasure. Our gastro doc suggested Boost Breeze. It is a dietary supplement drink, but is a fruit juice not a lactose base. He loved that. I could only get it online though. I got it through walgreens online. Just had his physical and finally he is growing....18 lbs and 3 inches in the past year.

Elizabeth - posted on 09/04/2011

Have you tried having him help buy and make his food? Going to a farmers' market might help, as he'd be meeting the folks who actually grew his food. I also would stop making it an issue. What I mean by this is, I'd have healthy snacks that he can get to on his own always available, so when he's hungry, he can eat. Also, when meals are served, I'd just put his plate down and tell him this is what we're eating. No pleadind, or fixing him something special. When my 5 kids were little, we always had cubed cheese, carrots, celery, fruit and cereal that could be eaten dry where the children could get it by themselves. Sometimes they'd make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich 15 minutes before dinner. I figured, PB&J is good healthy food, especially when everything was organic. They still sat at the table, though, as a social family time. Good luck!

Angela - posted on 09/04/2011

I know what you mean my son that is four is like that but it could be that he doesn't like the food the way it tastes or it could be just he is at that stage were he is just picky. I don't have my son on that med but it could help because it could back fire on you if u don't get a doctor on it. But I wish you the best of luck

Shonelle - posted on 09/04/2011

just give him what he likes.his weight will pick up.around the time she got 4 it gotten better but we still goes through i do not like that but eat it last week.so i just give what she wants n let her tell me when she is ready to eat

Brandie - posted on 09/04/2011

I went through this with my son (now 11), and it was finally determined that he had a growth hormone deficiency. My recommendation is to take him to a pediatric endocrinologist and have him tested. I can say that before we started on the growth hormone shots, Reid look like he was straight out of a concentration camp...skin and bones (though very active and healthy)...within 3 days of starting the shots, he was eating and sleeping (something else we had real problems with).

If there is no other medical reason, then your son is probably being stubborn, which is annoying now, but will be good for him later in life! I'm a little rougher than a lot of other mothers on here, though. If his lack of eating is stubborness, I'd let him go hungry until he was ready to eat what I gave him when I gave it to him...I'm not one to cater to those types of behaviors. Now my kids are older (13, 11, and 9) and they eat all kinds of foods, and like to try new things.

Angela - posted on 09/04/2011

I have been dealing with this with my daughter. She is 2 and only weights 20 lbs, she has seen the gastroenterologis many of times for celiac disease, cyctic fibrosis, but all tests came back negative. I do not know how she survives either, but her doctor said she will just be petite, as I was when I was her age. They will eat when they are hugry, and as lond as they don't show signs of malnutrition I think they are fine. She is very picky, loves fruits, vegetables, chicken nuggets, pizza etc... but will only eat 4 bites at the most. So I just keep trying to find different ways of feeding her, but will take some time. Good luck to you. My daughter also takes pediasure 2 times a day, and her weight still has not jumped.

Diane - posted on 09/04/2011

My son has autism, and is on a strict gluten-free, dairy-free diet. Before going gluten free and dairy free, he was an extremely picky eater, only eating string cheese, crackers, McDonald's chicken nuggets (and only theirs), Cheerios, bread sticks, and ice cream. Once we found gluten free and dairy free replacements for all of these foods, within a year or two, he had greatly expanded his food options. Another thing that helped was supplementing zinc, as his doctor did a blood test that showed him very low in zinc. As his zinc levels normalize, his appetite increased, so it might be something to ask your doctor about.

Toni - posted on 09/04/2011

A child only needs enough food that fits in his one hand to get through the day & you listed a good # of things he eats milk has lots of protine more then 8g per glasd you can add breakfast drink to his milk not the coaco one it is better then the pediasure also it will help with his weight he is not to underweight add gummy vitiams also that was u know he is getting his vitiams i have this problem with both my grandchildren but they only ate 3 things so i had to be very createive when i was cooking added grounded flax to most everything lots of vitiams etc donuts made with carrots& pumpkin many many things just puree it & mixes right in good luck & unless he has loose stoll all the time then he is absorbing his food remember they make slim clothes for a reason & also no juice always milk or the juice that is veggies too

Sarah - posted on 09/04/2011

have you had his tonsils checked my son had such big one's it kept him from eating as he was choking on food. He is 8 and still picky but he is putting weight on. just a suggestion

Krista - posted on 09/04/2011

My daughter has somewhat of the same issue, we just discovered that Occupational Therapy has helped. It's amazing what they can do to help a child become more comfortable with food....your situation is nothing new. It's worth looking into especially if your insurance will cover the cost.

Be - posted on 09/04/2011

Try having his friends over for food and playdate. Most kids will eat and try new things if they see their friends eating. They love to copy ESP older kids.

Hayley - posted on 09/04/2011

hi my son is 3yrs 7months he has always had problems eating from being a baby he only weighs 24lbs he eats so little he has to have supplement milk for the calories i end up in tears sometimes and feels like no one wants to help

Nicole - posted on 09/04/2011

try pedia sure my daughter was a 1pound preemie and when they took her off of formula she wasn't eating enough so she didn't gain weight when I put her on pedia sure she started catching up again

Tosha - posted on 09/04/2011

I have twin three yr olds who weigh 27 lbs they can be picky at times sweetie as long as he is not losing weight
don't worry to much little kids are very active. My son is
eight and weighs abt 50 lbs all of my kids are under weight
it's okay.... If there Are only certin things he will he then for
right now play into it give him little bits more often set out
bowls of his fave crackers like goldfish or something... But
unless he is losing weight there isn't to much to be really
worried abt kids have a funny way of getting what they
need if he will drink try pedisure the milk supplement for
kids it's good for em and has a lot of nutrition in it

Tracey - posted on 09/04/2011

ps you sound like an awesome mum. its great that u are concerned and want to do what is best for ur son. just remember as mums we do know whats best for our kids. hang in there ducks.. pretty soon this will be another phase that is over and u will have to worry about something else... its always our jobs as mums to worry :) wouldnt have it any other way as i know my kids are healthy because of it

Tracey - posted on 09/04/2011

apparently when i was young i was a very picky eater i only ate plain buscuits. the doct told my mum as long as i was eating something dont worry. if ur child is eating fruit that is awesome. home made chicken nuggets and fruit for tea is really healthy :) they all go through those stages with my son i would add the stuff he would normally eat.. and in a small bowl put something different. sometimes he ate it. (not all the time) but it gradually built up.. hes still fussy but will eat a lot more of what we cook

Karen - posted on 09/04/2011

My daughter is the same way. She is 7 and only weighs 41 pounds. Your son eats way more than my daugher. Our daughters doctor told us not to worry kids will not starve themselves. She will finally eat when she gets hungary enough.

Heather - posted on 09/04/2011

My daughter is the exact same way! Since 1 1/2 and now 3 1/2. Of course i was very concerned as a peds nurse/studying nutrition. We have tons of smoothies! Greek yogurt has lots of protein. Shes not big on meat. Spinache and carrots are undetectable when mixed with fruit. Try different combos

Tanya - posted on 09/03/2011

My oldest son was born with CHD and did not have the energy to eat for long periods at a time. I worked with a nutritionist to get him to gain weight. We put butter on everything that we could, used a few drops of olive oil here and there, and bought a calorie supplement powder called Duocal that the doctor recommended. Just make sure what he eats is packed with calories since he's not a big eater. Avacadoes are a healthy and loaded with calories where as strawberries...not so much.

Kellie - posted on 09/01/2011

Been there. Still there, actually. My son is now 7 and only weighs about 34 pounds. Add carnation instant breakfast powder to his milk for extra calories and vitamins and protein. Other than that, I just want to say I feel your worry and frustration!

Stevee - posted on 09/01/2011

My son is 5 and only weighs 37lbs and he is extremely picky he does have other issues though. Do you have him on pediasure? I had to put my son on it to make sure that he gets all his nutrients

Roberta - posted on 08/31/2011

Hi Gina: I am a grandma now, but I certainly know how you feel. When my middle son Michael was a toddler, all he wanted to eat at supper were potatoes. He was the potatoe monster. LOL!! He wouldn't do bad with lunch or breakfast. I really was getting worried. However he had 13 ear infections in 11 months, so often wasn't feeling the best. My family Dr. told me to stop worrying. Michael wouldn't starve himself. Not to end up having battles over food as it was now a control issue. So mom and dad backed off and if all he wanted were his potatoes, then that is all he ate at supper. The Dr. did put him on iron though for awhile as he was getting no iron from meat. Once he had tubes put in his ears, his appetite picked up and he became my best eater. However, my youngest son Gary is now 23 and is still a picky eater. So your son may just end up being just that. I did find it interesting that you have taken your son to a gastoenterologist. Not many can say that. Does he have bowel or stomach issues? Or was that there thought when he only weighs 26 pounds, that he had a digestive issue. How much did he weigh when he was born? I have a grandson who came home from the hospital at 5 pounds 2 oz. He was not premature, but he stopped growing in my daughter-in-law's uterus the last two weeks before he was born. There was a worry he had some serious problem, but they finally decided it was a problem with his placenta. At 18 months he is about 23 pounds but considering his birth weight he has done well. My son was told he will take until he is 3 to catch up. So think about that too. Try not to worry too much and just keep giving your concerns to your Dr. Just try to enjoy these years, believe me they fly by!!! Even if you try and get him a bit more active, his appetite may pick up. Good luck sweetie.

LeAnn - posted on 08/31/2011

Leave the kid alone. Children will not starve themselves. They eat a lot less than some people think they "should." Making a big deal of it will only lead to problems later.

Mae - posted on 08/31/2011

Hi Gina, Im the grandmother ( NaNa) of two boys, Trystan and Brayden. Trystan is my 3 yr old who seems to be a twin to yours. They put him on a vitamin ( polyvisol ) although it did increase his appitite, it also hyped him up to the point where he would stay in trouble. ( violent like ) so we took him off the vitamins and he returned to being Trystan. I said that to say this, we have tendencies to correct what we THINK is wrong by our kids because it didn't happen with us that way, BUT God made us all differently. When its time for his appitite to increase it will. Let him eat what he will as long as he's healthy. This is probably the best way for you to have a clean conscience about how you raised him. If you push the issur and he becomes sick or develope some type of disorder, you would punish yourself to no end. So as I tell my daughter : LET GO AND LET GOD be in charge, and he dont need our help. Hope you the best.

Carole - posted on 08/30/2011

One other thing, to worry so much and force eating at this age, could lead to eating disorders later down the road and obesity. Too much focus is on food these days. If the child is healthy, it is ok to be a little small. They just might out grow it. And some kids are just picky. And the parent is not always the blame for that. I was picky when it came to mixing food on my plate. I didn't eat ice cream and cake together until I was married. Some kids are just that way and that is that. Wishing you the best.

Carole - posted on 08/30/2011

I am grandma of six. One granddaughter is very petite. One is very large. I have not read all of the replies, but I would suggest if you are conerned, have him tested for food allergies. And if there is a problem there, at least you will know what NOT to feed him. If he has no food allergies, then just watch and wait. Most boys grow in spurts and he may get really hungry then. And as most older moms can attest to, teenaged boys will eat you out of house and home. ;)

Rachel - posted on 08/30/2011

Hi Gina , my daughter used to be the same at that age , she would only eat food that she didn't have chew very much . she's 9 now and doesn't stop eating now and her favourite food is meat . we just used to give her what we were eating in small portions and if she ate even a mouth full she could have some nuggets or sausage etc and now the only time she eats sausage is when we all have it together . the most important thing we found was to praise him even if he only put the food in his mouth to start of with , it took us at least a couple of years but i'm also proud of myself cause she eats what ever is put in frount of her and she loves trying new foods now . her new thing she likes is king prawns and sushi . so hang on in there xxxx

Regina - posted on 08/30/2011

My 7year old daughter only wieghs 30lbs. She was lable FTT failure to Thirve at 18 months are under went test by GI, EDO, and other speacialist. after 18months of test they determined that she is just a small person. She eats just about everthing, but only in small amounts. I still have to let her eat about six times a day for her to get all the calories she needs to maintain her wieght. Please continue to introduce new foods leave the hotdogs chicken nuggets and bolonga off the menu for awhile and offer other foods in there place. I do not eat those food so they are rearly served in my house. All my childeren eat everthing I eat. But please do not fret to much he will eat what his body needs.

Cynthia - posted on 08/30/2011

Check bowel movements. If they are they few small balls, then they are constipated and they don't feel hungry. If that's the case Miralax may help. Be sure to dose and titrate based on bowel movements. Our pediatrician suggested this and it seems to be working.

Ellen - posted on 08/30/2011

Cow's milk three times a day? By now, his body is probably not producing the enzyme, lactase needed to digest lactose. Why not switch him to almond and rice milk, plain enriched - not the vanilla and chocolate? Picky kids are not easy. Had one and also a grandchild. The reality is, letting them dictate what they will eat doesn't work in the long run - I made that mistake. Keep on trying new foods. Just put them in front of him and when he rejects them, put them back over and over with no comment. Use small bite-sized finger food. Nut and/or seed butters on slivered shaped sandwiches saved my grandson - great source of calories and fat! Glad he eats fruit. Add peas to the mix - again, over and over. Dips are another Godsend. Try dressings, hummus, Veganiase (great fats), yogurt, soft cream cheese - anything to dip very thin slices of carrots and celery - even red bell peppers. Smoothies are great but they must be simple and thin. Use straws for sipping them - much more fun to drink. I always put them in opaque containers with lids so you can't see what's inside. Try a banana, nut butter and almond butter one - again it MUST have a thin texture. You'll find more recipes and ideas on our website, www.KidKritics.com - or email me: ellen@KidKritics.com. Happy to help. Been through and know you struggle!

Lisa - posted on 08/30/2011

This is just my opinion and not said to be hurtful or criticizing your parenting skills but if your child is picky then you made him or her that way. Obviously there may be some medical considerations like allergies or in-tolerances but do not be so quick to jump on the medical reason train and start drugging your child when some will power and persistence on your part may be just as effective. I look after several others between the ages of 18 months and 10 yrs of age. I also have a daughter that is 17 now and she will eat anything you put in front of her and has a taste for items that many children these days will turn thier noses up at. From day one I did not give in to my daughters food demands. I am not a restaurant and I do not cater. This is what I am providing and this is what you will eat was the rule. This is not to say that you don't take into consideration your child's obvious likes. Keep their preferred foods on hand as long as they are healthy choices but not to the exclusion of all else. Offer them choices but only between the foods you wish them to eat. For example for breakfast you may eat oatmeal or yogurt with fruit. Period. Also when offering choices offer them items that are similar to their preferred food but still something new to them to broaden their tastes. As cruel as it sounds if they refuse to eat what you provide they are not hungry enough. They will fight you just on principle but remain firm in your resolve. They will get hungry and begin to eat. I have never had a child not even one with autistic tendancies refuse to eat when truely hungry. The longest I have had a child be stubborn and not eat what was provided was 2 days which will not in the long run hurt them and will save you endless fights and frustration. We have a no thank you helping as well. No matter where you go (to others homes etc) you will have a "no thank you" helping (generally about a tablespoon) of whatever was made and offered at the meal. Someone took the effort to make it for you then you will try it. Also don't tell me you don't like it if you've never tried it. If you know you don't like it then you may develop a liking for it and if not then see the above reasoning about respecting someones effort on your behalf. I enforce this rule with every child that comes into my home and have found it effective. It has also spilled over into thier home lives where thier parents have begun to enforce the no thank you helping rule and found that with a little persistance and patience that it has increased thier families/childrens tastes and markedly decreased thier children's "pickyness" and made meal times that much less of a chore. Don't know if it helps at all but like I said its my two cents worth and its definatly worked for me....

Kim - posted on 08/30/2011

TALK TO THE DOCTOR . KIDS ONLY EAT WHEN THEY ARE NEED TO . NOT LIKE BIG PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS LUNCH TIME .

Melissa - posted on 08/30/2011

Will he eat yogurt? That has always been my fallback when all else fails. Unfortunately my son only wants the Trix ones, so not as healthy as regular yogurt, and has a bit more sugar, but at least it is protein (and they claim) I think, active cultures.

JULIE - posted on 08/30/2011

GINA ITS NORMAL I HAVE FOUR KIDS MY OLDES IS FOURTEEN MY YOUNGEST IS FIVE THEY ALL WENT THRU IT I WAS ALWAYS TAKING THE OLDEST TO THE DOCTOR SHE TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL NOW MY KIDS ARE IN SPORTS AND EAT A LOT

Jessica - posted on 08/29/2011

Gina are the Doctors extremely concerned? I ask this cause I went through the same with my oldest. She was 3 years old and 24 lbs. The Dr said we needed to try to get her weight up but that she would eat when she was hungary. I was instructed to put her on foods with good fats and high fatty calcium inriched foods aswell. We had her drinking homo milk, Minigo yogourts and cheese but also the Doctor suggested assortment food even ones she did not really like. After a very agonising 6 months the craziest thing happened she started eating more and more vegtables, meats, and all sorts of other things. She even downed almost a whole shrimp ring at a birthday party. Needless to say she is my least picky child now. Your son will gain the weight he needs and you know whats best for him. You are amazing I know that cause it takes a lot out of you to worry and ask for help and advise. Good luck I hope I helped.

Alice - posted on 08/29/2011

I also think some parents are believing its a problem their child is having and are not evaluating their role in the problem. Fear, frustration, impatience, fear of failing as a parent and using the methods they were brought up with are all things that need to be looked at. We all play a role in how our children handle and accept food whether we see it or not. It might be time for a change on the parents part to make all the difference.

Heather - posted on 08/29/2011

I had a child with weight/nutrition issues , due to medications. He was 40 lbs at 9 years old. He too is a very picky eater to this day (16 now) and some of you health concerned moms may not agree with this, but I got this advice from a dietician/nutritionalist who specialized in difficult children. Worked well for him, so I hope that it will for you. Here it goes...



You need to increase this child calorie count. While it is great to feed them all the healthy stuff you can, their diets can be far more forgiving than mom or dads. (Calorie for these kids do not go straight to their bums ....



Whole milk....no skim or reduced fat. I always believed children up to 18 should take whole milk. Try to squeeze callories in anywhere you can, make a penut butter and toast or a sandwitch, make sure you use butter too (I know my arteries clog just thinking about it) Another great thing is a good multi vitamin everyday. There are vitamins out there that look like gummie bears....my 20 year old even likes them!!! No harm in a multi vitamin, the childs body will only use what it needs and will excreate the rest. Another great thing is Carnation Instant Breakfast. When it is made with whole milk, it has far more nutrients than Pediasure and tastes 200% better (have you tasted that Pediasure?? YUCH) In fact, just read the nutritional information on the side, compare the two. And Carnation Breakfast is much more cost effective!!! Need to make a change? Mix it with ice cream & Whole milk and make a shake. Fruit is good, but try to space it out. Things like mellon can be full of just plain old water and you will want to maximize calorie intake. I did read below where one was reducing the childs carb intake... please do not do that ....carbs are as important part of brain function and metabilelism, you reduce carbs to LOOSE weight (complex carb converts to sugar, simple carbs are basicly fibre) The whole idea is to get a wide variet of foods , that are high in callorie counts and that the little tyke will eat.



Keep it on hand and offer it often. Take solice in that a natural instinct is to eat, and we will when we are hungry. So will your little one!! Also, there are peaks and lull in appetite that directly relates to growth. I used to notice that my guys would become eating machines, eating everything then next thing I knew, their pants were above their ankles, toes poking out of shoes and they were 4 inches taller. There is a cycle to this, and it will pass, just be prepared for the growth spurts!!! Good luck :)

Kathryn - posted on 08/29/2011

might want to try less fat milk, he could be filling up on the whole milk.

Amy - posted on 08/29/2011

My 4 1/2 yr old son refuses to eat anything new also. He does weigh 37 lbs and is only in the 10% weight but his pediatrican and also his surgeon are not concerned. They stated as long as he is eating even limited number of items then he will be fine. My son has not been in daycare and is just now in Pre-K so they pediatrican thinks he will eventually begin trying new things as he watches his classmates. Currently he survives on oatmeal, pizza, pancakes, bananas and a few other items. I to was worried but have learned to just let him eat what he wants when he wants and all seems to be fine. Good luck.

Simone - posted on 08/29/2011

i have the same problem with my 3 year old daughter! Everyday for food time we have the problem of her not eating and being picky, but we got so sick of her being like that that she eats and if not she does not get ANYTHING else to eat! she went hungry to bed a few times and now she got better...still a struggle here and there but better! just don't give him any snacks nothing at all if he does not eat a good meal!

Kathy - posted on 08/29/2011

I have a daughter who was like this & my doc told me to not worry. She won't starve. Drove me nuts. Now she has a son like that..... He'll eat when he is hungry. Keep giving him other stuff & have him take a bite but don't worry - he'll grow up & be fine.

Jen - posted on 08/29/2011

My son was the same way at 3. He is 8 yrs old now & is a very healthy eater, though he still eats small portions. The key is not how much they are eating, but what they are eating. Get rid of the processed food as there aren't any good healthy nutrients in them. Instead switch to the brand "Morning Star". You can find it in any grocery store freezer section. They have corndogs, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, ect. All are veggie meat. They are delicious & kids can't taste the difference. I switched my son over to it when he was 3 & he still loves it today. Also, instead of regular whole milk, try organic whole milk. He will recieve more nutrients as well. Keep on with the fruit & other dairy. Also, try the V8 Fusion juices. They are delicious & eat 8oz glass provides 3 servings of fruits & veggies. (Another favorite of my son). Don't worry about his weight as long as he's eating healthy food. Being slim doesn't mean he's not healthy. You don't want him to over eat & gain a lot of fat anyways. My son is 8 1/2 yrs old & only weighs 48 lbs. He doesn't have any fat on him. He is extremely active, is very healthy & is getting the nutrients he needs. Please try out the "Morning Star" brand & V8 Fusion before any appetite enhancers. Good luck!

Alice - posted on 08/29/2011

Not many doctors would prescribe drugs for a 3yr old not eating as its generally down to their stages of development or an emotional button to use on thier parents. if you havent taken him for a general medical check you should certainly do that but I would say drugs would be a last resort/emergency stop gap here.

Kathy - posted on 08/29/2011

My daughter is 14 and had gotten down to 61 lbs. She had a stomach disorder that caused her to feel nauseous when she ate anything. She is on Fenergan now & something called remaron (excuse the spellings) which she takes at night. It enhances her appetite and helps he sleep. Not sure if a 3 yr. old can take it, but it has helped her gain 14 lbs. in 2-1/2 weeks.

Alice - posted on 08/29/2011

Do you have good routines around food? Meals, food and eating is not just about how much or what it is. Its about the attitude towards food and the way its delivered. Do you get him involved with preparing it? growing it? choosing it at the supermarket? Talk about where it comes from and why we eat good foods/sometimes foods/bad foods. Include emotional desciptions about how they taste, feel look. Play games like what colour is this and were does it come from. Relax a bit more about his weight and how much he eats and get him involved on a fun level. Hope that helps :)

Stephany - posted on 08/29/2011

We adopted two children from Russia when they were 2 years old, and our older one would only eat yogurt. Our doctor was not too worried, as he was getting the nutrition he needed. Can he sense your worry about his eating - maybe it's a control issue for him? Our seven year old is also a skinny one, and at 51 inches, he only weighs 50 lbs (he's more finicky than the older one). Good luck with this!!

Bonita - posted on 08/29/2011

If you get him exercising, I don't mean like an adult necessarily, but running, monkey bars, just working hard, his appetite will naturally increase and he will have to eat. I had a friend with the same problem and this was her solution.

If you are concerned with what he's eating, only offer him healthy food, it may take a couple days but he will have to eat it, especially if you are making him move a lot.

Then again some kids are just small, I have a 7 year old girl who is only 38 pounds, and she's very healthy.

Jilene - posted on 08/29/2011

Maybe his body is a 6 times a day eater. I have taken care of kids like that. Small meals more often. He will increase his diet as he ages its just the things toddlers do.. Fustrating I know hang in there. Maybe he will eat different at grandmas?? Try with out parents there sometimes kids eat better, go figure. Good luck!

Annie - posted on 08/29/2011

We've gone through fussy eating stages with our three sons. One thing that we found, which worked really well, was to find something healthy that they liked - yoghurt, raisins, grapes. Every time they ate a fork/spoonful of what we wanted them to eat, we rewarded them with one of what they enjoyed. There were some very strange taste combinations going on (half a sprout followed by a spoonful of yoghurt!) but it worked, and that's what mattered. You could try leaving him small bowls of cheese, fruit, cherry tomatoes, etc. where he can easily help himself, when he feels like it. Sometimes, standing over a child when they're eating can put them off, so give him a bit of space. Also, don't show your son any sign that you may be getting stressed during meal times....I'm convinced that kids thrive on winding their parents up!!

Francesca - posted on 08/29/2011

Hi GIna, not sure if this works for you, but when my kids would get picky, I would just tell them we would sit at the table until their plate was finished. Even til midnight! There were some tears occasionally, but we got through it. I also used to threaten that if they didn't eat their dinner, they would get it for breakfast the next morning! It never actually came to that, thank goodness! And some people might think it's too harsh, but it worked!! They are 3 and 4 years of age now and are pretty good eaters with the occasional issues, but it did help me. Remember, you are the boss!!