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OT - Getting Kids to EAT!

young_step_mom's picture

Submitted by young_step_mom on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 7:56pm

SS4 is coming to stay with us for the whole week next week (first time EVER), but I am a little worried because he is a very picky eater. DH has NO patience and gets really frustrated when SS wont eat, then SS gets in a pissy mood and it is even harder to get him to eat.

He only even eats with us on Sundays and we usually have chicken because it is his favorite and he eats that no problem, but if I have to have chicken for a week I think I might stop eating Blum 3

Any ideas on getting kids to eat?

Comments

the_stepmonster's picture

Submitted by the_stepmonster on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 9:50am

My SD4 eats cheese and only cheese when she is at "mommy's" so when I would make her healthy meals she would freak. The first couple of times she went upstairs and threw a tantrum while the rest of us ignored her and ate as a family. After she realized no one cared, she promptly came down and ate every single bite, even complimenting the chef (me). A 4 y/o cannot dictate their own diet. Plus I have noticed that when they eat better they act better also.

Siferra's picture

Submitted by Siferra on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 12:26pm

We had a super difficult time with my SS6 eating for the longest time. I used to get SO frustrated with him. I finally decided that the argument wasn't worth having, but I also wasn't going to let him "win"

We set a timer for meals (about 30 minutes), and SS has to sit at the table until the timer is done. If he doesn't finish his meal, no snacks until the next meal. The problem basically solved itself. There have been a few meals where SS has decided to go hungry rather than eat, but he is always a great eater at the next meal without complaint.

When we first started he refused to eat for an entire day. He got water and juice only. It was super difficult for my DH ("but he has to be so HUNGRY! He has to have SOMETHING in him!") but I encouraged us to stand our ground. As soon as SS found out we were serious and would let him choose to go hungry if he wouldn't eat the nutritious food we provided he started eating much better.

On that note, I do make some concessions. If we're having spaghetti I'll give him noodles and some of the red sauce but scoop around the mushrooms. If we're having tuna casserole I'll try to give him an extra cheesy slice. But no separate meals.

young_step_mom's picture

Submitted by young_step_mom on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 4:19pm

Thank you for the suggestions! I definitely did not mean to imply that DH and I have given in to SS simply to avoid a fight, but he only eats with us once a week so I try to make chicken that day since I know he will eat it regardless of how it is prepared. And I will definitely NOT be making special meals for him!!!!

I will try the timer, I think that might work well. And if he chooses not to eat, then I guess DH and I will wait it out (no snacks or anything) until he is hungry enough to eat whatever I prepare.

Thanks for the suggestions!