How can I get my 3 year old to eat?

Question

She is an awlful eater. She pretty much only wants mac and cheese or plain pasta. I am not as worried as my husband. She like those really cheap Banquent dinners (that I know can't be good for her) sometimes. I feel 3 year olds are just bad eaters and things will change as she gets older. Breakfast is dry cereal. She eats pretty well at lunch at her daycare. She is very healthy and normal size. Petite, but has been since birth.

Answer 1

Don't worry. Children don't eat for fun like we do. Doctors have told me to let them eat what they want. Within reason of course. They will go through phases, right now all my daughter wants is peanut butter sandwiches, and not with jelly. And I know I was the same way, I ate a lot of mac and cheese when I was little, and it has had no affect on how I eat today. I eat anything. As they get older you can make changes and make sure that they eat other things, but at this age, the fact that she is eating at all if better than nothing. My kids eat a lot of pasta as well, and dry cereal in the mornings. Cheerios are healthy :). You do have to judge based on the individuality of your child. If you doctor says she is a good weight for her age and so on. Then don't worry. My 3 yr old is very smart and vocal, almost four, she knows better. There are some things I can coax her into eating and others she just won't. We all have our preferences. But... it has taken me a while to get her to expand her tastes. Just don't worry!

Answer 2

Both of my kids went through this, and the best advice i can give you is:

1) Don't prepare special food for her. Her day care eating habits show that she will eat what she's given when she's hungry (I"m sure the day care doesn't provide special foods for each child). Life is more enjoyable for people who learn to enjoy the food they're given. She probably won't eat everything you cook, but she'll eat enough to stave off starvation. Don't let her become the center of attention at the dinner table. Act like you don't notice what she does and doesn't eat.

2) Don't let this situation create a problem between you and your husband. If he wants to do something that he thinks will improve her eating habits, let him. I wouldn't volunteer to do any extra work to accommodate her pickiness, however. Your child will be fine, and peace in your house is more important than arguing over her eating habits

I've never heard of a healthy 3 year old who has starved to death because she has been given the same food as her parents. She will adapt.

Answer 3

I had a few picky eaters who didn't like anything or just refused to try anything not already on their favorite list so I did some creative things with their food. I've built mashed potato volcanoes with cheese lava and brocolli trees and egg and bacon faces but whats easier is putting colored sprinkles on their food. It just looks more interesting and the sprinkles are basically nothing and have no flavor so they won't make anything taste bad. It worked on my boys when they were little and once they got used to the new foods they didn't need them anymore. As long as she is healthy and growing I wouldn't worry too much just try to get a wider variety in there. Good luck!!

Answer 4

Dont worry this is a good thing what if she only wanted cheese burgers and fries and other junk food like most 3 year olds better be healthy than not healthy right?

Answer 5

SHE EATS THAT WAY BECAUSE LET HER. If she don't eat what you want her to don't force her just put it away for when it's time to eat. NOW here comes the hard part. YOU CAN NOT GIVE HER SNACKS UNTIL SHE EATS WHAT YOU WANT HER TO. This will not hurt her to go without a meal or even two. You can't give her sweet drinks, only water or milk. This is a hard thing to do. She will be really upset until she sees you will not give in. Be ready for a battle. Hope you the best.

Answer 6

Don't worry. She'll eat when she's ready. My son was on a Cheerio's kick for a while when he was 2 or 3. That's all he wanted..."odo's". Today he is 6'1" and about 200. (24 years old now). Good luck

Answer 7

I also have problems with my soon to be 3-year-old wanting to eat. If he doesn't eat his meals then he doesn't get any snacks, and I don't give him something in replace of the meal I have already fixed for him. He either eats it or he goes without. If he goes without, he doesn't get anything else until the next meal, no snacks, nothing. When they get hungry enough they will eat what you put in front of them.

The thing is, if they snack all day, drink juice and milk all day, it can ruin their appetites.

Answer 8

I think toddlers will eat when they are hungry. They wont let themselves starve. My almost 3 year old does not eat very much at all. If I'd let her she would eat junk food all day. I tell her her food options and if she says no, she doesnt get anything else. She will come to me and eat what I offer when shes hungry.

Answer 9

Small children don't like the same foods that we do. It seems like she is eating a variety of foods that are good for her. Don't let her fill up on cereals, candy and such. Give her vitamins if you are concerned.

Answer 10

Try getting the Hormel or like small dinners with macaroni and cheese. They are vitamin fortified, and good tasting (I'll eat them they're that good).

Also, try Pedia-Sure. They are EXCELLENT for picky eaters, and kids love them! They taste like milkshakes.