Picky eater ? long

vernab

DS is a very picky eater.  He does eat a lot of different fruits, but pretty much no veggies or meat.  He likes yogurt, mac and cheese, and pb&j.  We offer him bits of whatever we are eating for dinner, rarely does he even try them though. 

Last night we had hamburger helper (real healthy, I know, but we are trying to empty out the pantry ; )) and he wouldn't even try it.  I put a little bit of sauce in his mouth, thinking he would realize it's pretty much the same as mac and cheese, but he didn't want anything to do with it.  We ended up puree a little bit of soup that we have for him to eat.  That's the only way he'll eat any veggies or meat. 

The other day we had alfredo, with chicken and broccoli, he ate all the noodles but wouldn't even try the meat or broccoli.  I don't really even like cooked broccoli all that much but it was covered in alfredo sauce.  I tried mixing in some veggies with his mac and cheese, same thing, picks them out and throws them on the floor.  Doesn't even try it. 

I'm going to talk to the pedi at his 15 month appt and see if she has any advice.  She's usually pretty useless about these kinds of things, so I'm not expecting a lot from her.  I'm just tired of fighting with him about it.  My plan is to continue to offer him the things we eat and if he doesn't want it, I'll make him something he likes.  It's just very frustrating sometimes.  Anyone have a similar problem?  TIA

92405bride

I'm sorry you're going through that - it does sound SO frustrating! There is really nothing worse than watching your kid sit there and fuss and NOT eat during meal times.

We make one meal for the whole family and all eat together, and if she doesn't eat it, then that's it. Usually she'll take at least a few bites but if she starts throwing food or having a tantrum in her high chair (which thankfully is rare) then she's done with the meal. We don't give her anything else other than her milk until her next snack or meal (even if it's before bed) other than whatever she wouldn't eat before. (For example - we had chicken gyros the other night and she only ate a few bites - I did give her the pita later with hummus which was part of her dinner before).

From everything I've read or heard on the subject of picky eaters is that it's your job to present healthy options and the kids' job to eat or not eat - they won't starve themselves.

SusieQ1982

It's not smart to pick battles with kids over food. This is one area over which they have absolute control. If you get into a war with them, you can't win.

Continue to offer items even if you know he doesn't like them. He may surprise you one day by eating them. Perhaps allow him to be a part of dinner preparation? My son loves helping me put vegetables in casseroles or sprinkling the cheese on a pizza. He is much more interested in meals he "helps" prepare.

But yes, it's your job to offer nutritious food and his job to decide what and how much to eat.

MommyandKate

"He likes yogurt, mac and cheese, and pb&j."  Sounds like a toddler .  I second what everyone else has said- it's totally normal, nothing to worry about.  I'd use whole grain bread, organic fruit spread, and "real" peanut butter, puree some sweet potato into the mac & cheese, try to get yogurt with real fruit, and otherwise keep offering other things.  He'll outgrow it.