For those of you with picky eaters

TriciaChick

DS who is 3 NEVER wants to eat.  We put the food in front of him and its constant "take a bite!!!" from hubby and I.  It is exhausting getting him to finish anything and we often end up just putting the food in his mouth for him.  (I know big Supernanny no no!" 

Just wondering what approach you take?  Should I make him sit there until a certain amount is gone?  Or should I just let him not eat even if it means going for most of the day (and have no snacks) until he actually becomes hungry?  Thanks so much!!

Abinormal

My daughter is similar to your son and we also have days where we pretty much have to force, at least, one meal into her. She's on the small size, skinny and has always been somewhat at risk of falling into the underweight category, so I'm probably a little more stressed about her eating than most parents might be. She does go through phases where she eats well without any prompting, but they're rare and don't last long. Add on to all of this the fact that she's very picky and I find that I don't like meals with my kiddo. I keep hoping it'll get better as she gets older.

FWIW, we tried the no snacks, not forcing the eating and DD went 3 days without a decent meal. By day 3 it was affecting her sleep and temperament. By day 4, we went back to allowing her to have snacks and encouraging her to eat at meal times.

TriciaChick

Thank you for your reply!  I do not think DS is underweight but probably because we are forcing bites down him constantly lol.  Meal time is SO frusterating.  I am glad someone can relate.  Maybe I will just try letting him go without eating until he says he is hungry since we have already tried the battle to get him to eat route.  I hope it will have a better outcome than it did for you!  Good luck with your DD!

synchrosally

We have the same problem. If we don't let him snack and insist he eats what we feed him I don't think he would be convinced to eat. We are trying it for a little while anyway, but are not hopeful. Yesterday he ate French toast for breakfast, nothing for lunch, nothing for dinner. During the week we don't worry so much because he eats for my sitter. We are just stumped.

teacherjulie

My daughter eats a decent breakfast and lunch so dinner is our trouble time.  Per the pediatrician we offer dinner if she eats a few bites great if not oh well.  What I do is offer snack as yogurt or cheese slices. 

stdldb29

DD rarely eats, she gets her meals with the rest of us-if she chooses not to eat, that is her deal. She doesn't get snacks or anything at all if she didn't eat a good meal. DD wont starve herself, so I don't really care.