Any advice on getting my 3 year old to eat healthy??

Cynthia - posted on 06/19/2009

I agree with Stephanie, no junk period. I dont even have it in the house, its a treat when we go out to eat. If he throws a fit in a restutaunt, leave,or take him to sit in the car while everyone else is eating, I know this sux for you and ur family, but your 3 yr old will learn that Mommy means buisness, We have a No thank you bite rule in our house, they must try at least one bite of everything on their plate, and if they dont like it, then No thank you.. I believe that a 3 yr old is to little to take anything away from him to discipline, but a time out is okay, 1 minute for every year of age. So in your case 3 minutes, but make it real to him, let him see the timer. Have one spot in your house that only for time outs, the stairs, a chair, a bean bag, etc.. have the timer near there. My children have gone without dinner, beacuse they won't eat their food. When they get hungry enough they will eat anything..

Amanda - posted on 06/19/2009

I have the same problem with my 3 year olds. she want junk all the time ( spending too much time with grad parents that cant say no) so now I dont let her have junk very much and if she eats a healthy meal I will let her have a fruit snack which is good for her and she thinks it is a treat so I win but she thinks she is getting her ways lol! good luck!

Becky - posted on 06/19/2009

First, if you ignore the tantrums they will go away. Tantrums are meant solely to get your attention and are a child's way to get you to cave (basically, they learn that this is a button pusher for mom and dad to just say yes - you will do anything to make the action stop). When the tantrum starts, pretend you can't hear it - don't look, don't laugh, don't acknowledge. When he realizes he's not getting the attention it will end - you will need to stay calm - find your happy place. Present the healthy meal - if he is hungry he will eat it. Junk food has to go - don't use it as a reward system either until the habit is broken. Grandparents, aunts, uncles -- anyone who helps care for him needs to be on the same page you are - if they cave you will lose this battle. Good luck - my boy has a sweet tooth too!

Vicki - posted on 06/19/2009

I agree, You are the parent, You buy the groceries, You plan the meals. A three year old can have some choices; for instance, would he prefer an apple or a pear. Not potato chips or a chocolate bar.



Also you may very well need to change your eating habits.

Stephanie - posted on 06/19/2009

This may sound mean, but if you want him to eat healthy then simply don't feed him junk food. He will get hungry enough to eat something that you want him to eat. I make my son take at least one bite of something new, if he doesn't like it then he is able to spit it out in a napkin or something like that. I just don't give into him. When he throws a tantrum then he gets to sit in time out for a while. I don't agree with spanking right off the bat especially if something else will work. For my son time outs work best. He hates to sit still. Think of what your child loves to do and take that away when he throws a tantrum. I go by 5 minute intervals.