What to do with kids that don't want to eat?

1. 69

   algarveviewposted 13 years ago

   What to do with kids that don't want to eat?
   
   seriously, I am out of ideas

   replyreport
2. 60

   mathairposted 13 years ago

   What age is the child? Many children aged between 2and a half to 4 can go through a stage when they dont want to eat. In fact my own daughter who is 3 and a half has been like this for the past 6 months. I weigh her regularly to ensure she has not lost too much weight and apart from that we sit down together to dinner every night, if she doesn't eat it I take it away. Before bed i offer her a snack of cereal or bread. in fact most of the day is spent trying to sneak small snacks - sometimes just 3 grapes! However all of this adds up. The most important thing is not to let the child see that you are anxious about it. They can then begin to use this to control the situation. Sorry if this is too much information! Check out the Hub I wrote on juices for Kids too.

   replyreport
3. 69

   Alastar Packerposted 13 years ago

   Well, if you've tried not letting them have snacks between meals, and that doesn't work, then I'd say at least make sure their snacks are nutritional. Sometimes you have to be sneaky and not let them realize that their snacks are really good for them. And give them vitamins, make meal times fun and not so stressful. Also some kids have acid reflux and they dread eating because of the way they'll feel later.

   replyreport
4. 91

   Krysantheposted 13 years ago

   I don't force the issue at all with my son who is four.  My philosophy is he'll eat when he's hungry, and he always does.   I think parents trying to force eating or that "clean your plate" mentality is one of the causes of obesity today.  So I just don't force, but I do make sure that when he is ready to eat, he is only getting healthy options.

   replyreport
5. 60

   duffsmomposted 13 years ago

   Leave them alone.  Making an issue out of eating and food can cause obesity or eating disorders as adults.  Just be sure that the food that is available to them when they do get hungry is good, healthy food, no dyes, no red 40--just good healthy food.

   replyreport
6. 69

   algarveviewposted 13 years ago

   Thank you for all opinions. They are three and a half, but they've been like this since they were born, so it's not a stage. I think half of the problem is me, because this really stresses me, but I don't seem to be able to turn it off. I think they sense I'm anxious.  Perhaps it's about relaxing, just have to figure out how to relax.

   replyreport
7. 60

   nextgoodthingposted 13 years ago

   Hi algarveview, my toddler is also 4 and i have a hard time getting him to eat nutricious stuff as well.He only likes chicken nuggets and milk. Ithas been this way since he was born.
   Recently,i found out about the juicer machines and gave it a try... It worked!!!
   Now i buy lots of fruits and vegetables and i juice them.... Well, he does not eat the fiber but gets some vitamins and i get a little piece of mind!
   The pediatrician also says that if physical exams come out good we should not worry.... But if you feel still nervous about this situation, talk to the pediatrician if you can complement with some daily vitamins.
   I hope it helps!

   replyreport
8. 68

   Dawn Conklinposted 13 years ago

   My older daughter is going through a phase where sometimes she just isn't hungry at dinner.  She is 10.  This is the first real problem we have had with the kids eating.  I can't let her have juice, milk or anything to drink for a while before dinner.  I have found that she drinks it down and fills up on it.  She will do this if she has a drink with dinner too.
   I also don't let my kids have too many snacks during the day now.  They get meals and yes they have snacks here but not many.  Snacks may be cheese, oranges, cereal and things of decent nutritional value.  Rarely do I let them have chips for a snack or candy.
   
   Another thing to remember is kids eat more during growth spurts then they will when they are not in a growth spurt.  There are times my 5 year old eats more then my 10 year old.  I now know that means I will be buying new clothes
   
   If you can limit fluid intake before dinner and also limit how much of a snack for at least an hour and a half before dinner, see it this helps.  Another idea is having them help you make dinner.  Many times kids get excited to eat what they helped you make.   
   I wish you the best!

   replyreport
9. 77

   Princessaposted 13 years ago

   Start understanding why your child doesn't want to eat to be able to put into practice a few tips to get your child to eat healthy meals. read more

   replyreport