EvansvilleMom
10-10-2008, 01:48 PM
<p>Hey, ladies!! Do any of you have picky eaters? I'm working with a little girl who is adorable, as well as really challenged by limited eating habits. She has a tough time getting beyond certain textures, smells and appearances.</p>
<p>While I was documenting the techniques I'll use to help overcome her aversions, it made me wonder if any of you have picky eaters and if so, what you've done that was successful.</p>
<p>- Kim</p>
NeeNee
10-10-2008, 01:57 PM
<p>Kim:</p>
<p>In the old format was a thread about this exact thing. I can't remember where it was located, but it was loaded with TONS of great advice. It is actually a medical condition, which I discovered from the other moms, although I don't remember the name.</p>
<p>KayLee-Jade suffers mildly, but I have found that rice if usually one sure-fire dish she will eat!</p>
<p>Angela</p>
zillygal
10-10-2008, 02:58 PM
<p>I sent you a message about this. -</p>
<p>I know that textures can really do a kid in. </p>
<p>Heck I am a picky eater too, so I am not much help!</p>
tuppermom
10-10-2008, 04:07 PM
<p>My oldest, it was and still is all about texture. She never wanted to eat meat. If she had to chew it, she didn't want it.</p>
<p>She has progressed a lot. We started out slowly. Give her a tiny bit of something new and work our way up to a full meal. My girls will eat spinach, not by itself, but in things. I don't think it by itself eaither, but mixed with cream of chicken soup and noodles, it is yummy.</p>
<p>My oldest will now eat almost anything. Her new favorite is the Rib b que sandwiches at school. I was amazed that she ate them.</p>
<p> </p>
Mom216and5
10-10-2008, 08:30 PM
<p>I would welcome any advice on this subject myself. My 5 year old will only eat cheese pizza, fish sticks, mac & cheese, pop tarts, ccottage cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches and he will drank strawberry Ensure. The pediatrician said witht he Ensure and a multi-vitamin he is probably getting enough nutrition, but I worry about him. I would also like to take him out to eat and him not order a Grilled cheese. I really like just about everything and so does my husband, but my husband refused to eat anything but PB & J when he was little, so the apple does not fall far from the tree!!</p>
toonktoon
10-11-2008, 11:42 AM
<p>I've had my share of picky eaters but they were all different. Usually it is texture that bothers them the most. My Danny (12) cannot stand pudding texture, but will eat ice cream maybe due to the temperature. My grandson says ice cream is too cold! Go figure. What I have found that helps is to not let children dictate or order their foods. Don't ask them what they want to eat. Ask them if they are hungry. If so, present them with very small portions of at least two or three items. Include what you know they prefer but add something different or new. Don't force the issue at all. Just present it. Don't allow rude comments such as "I won't eat that." or "I don't like that." Instruct them to leave whatever they don't want on their plates quietly, as anything else is "very rude." Don't let food become any kind of power struggle. If they are rude, excuse them from the table until next meal time. Don't provide milk, juice, or snacks between the times you offer them good food. In other words, no free feeding or access to the frig if you have a problem eater. They will simply strengthen their eating ruts and narrow palate if left on their own. Instead, set times for meals and snacks. Make them scheduled so they fit the needs of your child. I have to feed my son at least five times a day as he eats so little at a time. But if I left him to his own eating he would skip breakfast entirely, snack on crackers and drink milk when hungry throughout the day and finish off a box of crackers before bedtime and that would be it! (Yes, I have tried it to see how he would eat )Instead, I fix him a small breakfast (large breakfasts will literally gag him) such as a small glass of milk and toast with peanutbutter on it. When he asks for grilled cheese (I saw the other post with this eating preference) or cheese quesedillas (which is usually ALL he will ask for) I agree to give it to him if he will also eat a bowl of cooked mixed veggies or a sliced apple. He usually agrees. So sometimes you can play "Let's make a deal" with favorite foods and stuff you add on. Don't overlook occupational therapy when the kids are infants and toddlers. Oral therapies and sensory therapies such as brushing and joint compressions can definitely improve eating. I have seen this first hand. Many times eating becomes a controlling behavior as we cannot truly make our children eat, so don't let it go there. Don't give a child the impression their eating habits bother you much at all. Children WILL eat when hungry. Allow natural hunger to work for you. Let them get good and hungry before offering food and when you do offer it, make sure it's at least two or three items. Here is an example: Child says, "Mom, can I have some chips?" Parent says, "Oh, are you hungry? Let me fix you some food." Make a little plate of food and offer it. . .two olives, a dollop of applesauce, 4 chips, and a string cheese. Keep it all upbeat and positive and serve it with a smile. Don't just hand a child the chips. Hope this helps. . . .It's a lot like sleeping issues. You can't force a child to fall asleep. . .but you can wake them up earlier! You have to outsmart them in these areas and find ways to get them eating and sleeping in healthful patterns without making it a personal war. Kids always win if you do.</p>
toonktoon
10-11-2008, 11:52 AM
<p>I once knew a child who refused to eat anything but cookies when he was three years old. His mom worked and grandma fed him cookies all day long. The poor child became so constipated that he had to be hospitalized. Genuine eating problems are no joke. Try your arsenal of tricks and if they don't work, get professional help.</p>