does anyone know the best way to get a 2 yr. old to eat?

Question

he practically rufuses to eat anything. He acts like he can't swallow, but he ate pudding. He will not eat. he drinks and chews gum just fine. i've tried force feeding him, hitting him until he chews and swallows, but all that does is make him cry and I do not want to make him get sick. please help me someone

Answer 1

great parenting skills there... hitting your child until he chews? what the hell is wrong with you?

Answer 2

If he cannot eat, then a doctor needs to intervene. If it's just a power trip (2 is the age for that, you know), then just wait until he is hungry. When he comes to you and says, "I'm hungry," you say, "I'm very glad to hear it. But you must still wait until the regular dinnertime (or lunch, or breakfast), and eat what the rest of the family eats. You don't have to eat as much, but you have to eat the same stuff. Because it's up to me to see that you get a balanced diet, and I take that job very seriously. So will you please eat with the rest of the family like a little lady/gentleman, and we can get on with our lives?" When the kid says something that even remotely resembles OK, accept that, thank him/her, and don't let it become a big deal.

Kids learn how to control themselves mostly by watching you and their daddy. Since you have already tried force feeding and he won that battle, try assuming he'd really rather be grown-up about it, and accept the facts the way they are. You live with your momma and papa, and they are responsible for teaching you what's right. But you gotta give them a chance. At two, there's still a lot of really basic stuff where the kid just does not know where the limits are, and a simple "because I say 'no,' that's why" will not function as enough explanation.

So there is a time and place for everything, and if he/she will forgo traditional battle games for control between parent and child in favor of learning from you two what it is to be a responsible, respectable grown-up.

Because kids learn 90% from imitation, and the younger they are, the more that works. They need someone in their environment who can be relied upon to do the "Miss Manners," and give a no-nonsense approach to learning the rules. And if the grown-ups are consistent, the parents are obviously the best choice for that job, followed closely by all four grandparents, and such greats as are available. Kids learn well when there is no one except people they can trust in their world, but they learn (we shudder to think what they learn) even in an environment where there clearly are some people which it would be better they not trust too close.

At two, there's still a whole lot to learn. God bless the child.

Answer 3

Force feeding him probably isn't really possible. And hitting him isn't likely to help, and might hurt - besides, it's not a good thing to be doing.

It's not unusual for kids to go through periods when they won't eat. If this has been extended, like maybe a month, and he's losing weight, talk to his doctor. If it's just been a week or so, relax, he'll start eating again. Is there anything he especially likes? I don't mean candy or stuff like that, but some actual food that's his favorite? Might try giving him what he likes if that'll work, at least for awhile. Eating just peas or spaghetti or cheese or something for a couple weeks won't hurt him.

And a little bribery could be useful - if you eat half of your sandwich, you can watch TV ...we'll go to the park ...we'll go to the zoo ....something he likes to do.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Okay, I am going to say this gently, but I suggest that you stop hitting him for starters. Outside of possibly making him sick, you run the risk of traumatizing him permanently and I can tell by the fact you are posting this question, that you do not want to do that to your son, but are also at the end of your ropes. (It is okay that you are at the end of your ropes by the way...every parent gets there at some point!)

I have 4 kids...9,8,7, and 5 years old, so I realize the challenges getting little ones to eat can be real and difficult to say the least.

If he likes pudding, how about trading him one bite of pudding for every three bites of dinner? If he is still a young two, he may not grasp this concept, but given your (positive) reinforcement consistently, he will catch on.

Another cool thing you could do is take him to the store to buy "his" favorite fork and spoon. My kids picked out every cartoon character you can imagine over the years... this may encourage or motivate him that meal time can be fun time too, if he uses his "special" utensils. If he is not cooperating, give him plain utensils and tell him he can have the "special" ones back only as long as he is eating with them. I think this also works because it kind of tricks the toddler into thinking he or she has control...something they LOVE! You can use this same concept with plates and glasses too...plain or fun. You could also play his favorite music during mealtimes, given he is eating like a big boy! It just may make a difference in his eating habits!

Hey, email me anytime if you want to vent. Just catch your breath and exhale~ This too shall pass. If your pediatrician isn't freaking out, nor should you. :)

Also, cut back on the snacks during the day if you can...he needs to be hungry in order to eat.

Answer 5

Well, first of all...Stop hitting your child...that would be a start.
Second, children that age are picky eaters, mainly because they are still developing tastes for things. give him a few little finger food type things, or one - two things he likes on a plate along with one new food to introduce, and let him pick at it. Toddelers graze, meaning they have little tiny tummies, and therefor little tiny stomachs, and will eat a little, go play, come back and eat a little, so on and so forth. This is normal, just let him eat a few bites here and there, and when he's done he'll stop going back for more.

Answer 6

Blah, hitting him for sure is not going to do any good. If anything it will give him a fear of food because he will always associate being hit with eating. Just leave him be for a bit. I have dealt with a lot of kids that will do this because the grown ups fuss so much over it and it gives them all kinds of attention. I would try just giving him the food with a serious tone and just leave him be. It's worth a shot. If you feel that it could be a more serious issue consult your physician and see what they recommend. But please do not hit your child, it will not help.

Answer 7

Sometimes when children that age don't want to swallow, it is because they have strep throat and are in severe pain. I doubt that he is "acting" like he can't swallow.

How dare you hit him! What kind of a parent are you??? Can't you take the time to discuss this with your pediatrician??

Children are a precious gift and you never know how long you will have them. I'm sorry, but I can't stand that you actually hit a child who is very probably ill and suffering. Poor, poor baby.

Answer 8

I have a son that's 30 years older than yours. I begged, pleaded, tried bribery and nothing worked. Took him to the pedi Dr. The doctor told me he was gaining weight so he must be getting lots of high caloric Air. That made me stop trying so hard. He just wouldn't eat but was healthy. If your son has lost weight or is not gaining take him to a Dr.

What you are doing now is Child Abuse --- quit it. The poor boy may never eat right from what you are doing! Please get help for both of you.....Where's Dad?

Answer 9

first, have you taken him to his pediatrician lately? this is an issue, that while not huge, is something that a doctor has experience with. and it wouldn't be a bad idea to make sure he's not actually having problems swallowing solids. second, children who do not eat will not starve. they will eat when they are hungry. make sure he is offered food regularly, and given some amount of choice, but don't worry so much. and if he decides he only will eat peanut butter sandwiches and chocolate pudding, so be it. he's eating something.

Answer 10

A 2 yr old should not have gum and you might be worried, but you are being WAY too harsh with him! You don't force-feed and beat children to eat. Take him to his pediatrician for christ's sake!

Answer 11

First GUM? If pudding is what eat wants give . Buy Pediasure or something like that. Don't make food a battle . and never hit or yell at your child especially over food.