I usually have her 3 days out of the week and usually for 10 hours each day and when I ask her if shes hungry she tell me no and starts to cry how do I get her to eat somethng, her mother is a diabetic and very over weight and her husband (neices dad) tells mom that she needs to stop eating sweets it is not healthy for her.
2006-08-11 21:37:10 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I have put fruits out to where she can get them I have tried everthing I know possible I have talked to her I have told her that she needs to eat to build up strength to play but really all she wants to do is watch tv which she gets mad at me because I wont let her watch tv all day. I live next to the park and she doesnt want to go play there I am out of answers maybe I need to seek pro help.
2006-08-11 21:52:51 · update #1
Firstly children won't allow themselves to starve so don't worry too much about that part of it.
The next time you have her, take her on a little shopping trip. Allow her to choose some fruit to start with and when you get home have fun with her cutting it into small chunks and pretend to sneakily eat some whilst you are doing it. She may join in and not even think about eating.
My youngest son has always had a problem eating many things. He is a typical child who loves crisps, sweets and chicken nuggets. I never made it an issue but others did so in the end every meal time became a huge issue. With time and patience he started eating more vegetables because rather than punishing him or forcing him, I allowed him to reach his own decision and then he was praised a lot.
Children aren't stupid. They are aware of many things and your neice may associate food with being fat.
If her mum is overweight your neice may think that if she eats what mummy eats the same will happen to her.
Have a chat with her mum and express your concerns. Maybe mother and daughter can help eachother by eating more healthy foods which will, in time, help the mum to lose weight and encourage your neice to eat.
Also at 5 years old you should be able to talk to the neice and ask her why she doesn't want to eat with her Aunt. Don't make an issue about it though.
Take her for a walk in the park with a small picnic and whilst you are walking just pop the question in at sometime. You are more likely to get an honest answer if she isn't actually thinking about it and it is done in a relaxed place.
I wish you luck.
2006-08-11 21:52:08 · answer #1 · answered by Gillipoos 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The more you put emphasis on it the more she will fight it. Just make nutritious meals and have her play about an hour to two each day. Plan some activities that involve some type of exercise and then after wards if you are hungry sit down and have a snack and don't ask her anymore. She will come around if she doesn't feel pressured. It is admirable that you care enough to try to help her- just don't kill her with too much kindness. Good luck.
2006-08-11 21:59:00 · answer #2 · answered by D baby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There might be something bugging your neice, maybe she is uncomfortable being with you. Usually if a kid is hungry they will eat, unless they are feeling timid, then they might not want to. I'm sure there is a deeper root then that she si just not hungry. Ask if there has been any traumatic events going on lately.
Here's an idea though, getting down to raw psychology. Your neice sees her mother very limited to what she eats and because of this, she feels that she must be scarce on what she eats as well, this is just a possibility, but you will have to research it more. I hope this helps and good luck!
2006-08-11 21:45:48 · answer #3 · answered by Josh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask her family what her favorite foods are and instead of asking her if she is hungry, fix you and her a plate and don't put any pressure on her- just begin eating and she may follow. Give her with affection and/or a small reward if she eats. If she has a more serious issue due to her mother's current eating habits/health this of course may not work at all to address the situation and that is when a mental health professional would be able to step in to work with the family to address any poor communication regarding food, mom's health, etc.
2006-08-11 22:05:38 · answer #4 · answered by speakthetruth 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a 5 yr. old that way once.
Used to put less and less food on her plate. Got down to 4 peas once. She ate them all and danced with glee that she was all done.
Keep some fruit in several places, exposed in the open where she can always see it.
2006-08-11 21:46:48 · answer #5 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eat somewhere other than your house. invite her friends over your house to eat. there are cooking shows in lifestyle network. they prepare food that is tasty and nutritious. tell her that her dad died because of sweets. try to explain it to her.
2006-08-11 21:59:09 · answer #6 · answered by kristine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think. since her dad is associting food with bad. she thinks its bad to eat. cause she may over hear her father discussing (or yelling) at her mom to stop eating.
2006-08-11 21:44:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a feeding tube and some applesauce!
works for me! jk
2006-08-11 21:45:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Spank her ars.
2006-08-11 22:54:35 · answer #9 · answered by acid tongue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋