I try to force to him to eat but he just shakes his head and screams or whines...so I let him go without eating a whole lot.
But then he will go to the cupboards and eat a cookie or junk, so I know he isnt NOT hungry...I dont know wat to do, because I dont think he is getting enough food and nutrients...AND YES, I do take away the sweets.
2006-12-26 08:20:50 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Kids eat when they are hungry. They go through growing spurts and there will be times when you think he is eating too much.
At that age they have not learned to over or under eat. Yet
Do not worry, this will pass. Just make sure what he is eating is healthy .
2006-12-26 08:24:14 · answer #1 · answered by tiggermom1218 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing I would do is make a way for him NOT to have access to the sweets like by using cabinet locks or latches he can't undo.
The next thing I would do is try to find some healthy foods he does like to eat. Take him to the store to shop with you to pick out some fruits like apples, strawberries, grapes, etc. Then he can pick out some raisins, peanut butter. Get him some cereal he can snack on that is good for him like Chex, Cheerios, Kix, etc. I know taking him with you can bring on other challenges, like having to say no to all the sweets there, but you can tell him he can help you pick out some yummy treats.
Also, you might want to look into some of the PediaSure products that are filled with vitamins and minerals he needs. Another thing to try is vitamins. The gummy kind don't have any iron, so I'd stay away from those. The Bugs Bunny ones go over well at our house! I think they taste like sweet tarts.
You can also try some yogurt. My girls love yogurt. Even chocolate yogurt covered raisins might work.
Be consistent and don't try to force him to eat because it just makes it worse. Are you trying to feed him yourself or is he self-feeding? If you're still feeding him, give him a little freedom with the fork and see what happens. If you're too stressed out about him making a mess while he eats, this can make things worse.
Hope this helps!
Susan
www.JoyFilledHome.com
2006-12-27 15:01:29 · answer #2 · answered by Michael and Susan W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The kid will eat when he's hungry. It's a phase. The real question here is who gave a 2 year old the authority to go into the cupboad and get a cookie when ever he feels like it? Be a parent, and show some control over what he eats and when he eats it.
2006-12-26 08:29:22 · answer #3 · answered by mistresscris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is completely normal at 2 to be very picky about food. I wouldnt force them to eat but have them sit at the table while you and the rest of your family eat and serve him/her up a plate. If they are hungry they will eat, if not than they will be fine...at 2 they are old enough to to let you know if they need food. Taking the sweets away is good but when you take them away offer them what you ate for dinner/lunch etc. or a healthy snack.
Another suggestion would be to ask what their favorite foods are and make that for dinner every once and a while.
2006-12-26 08:42:51 · answer #4 · answered by missbee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my 2 yr old does the same thing, especially when we are away from home or there's lots of stuff going on around us. I keep trying and offer her other things that might interest her taste buds. Sometimes I have to just slip it in her mouth when she's not looking, cuz sometimes she just thinks something looks different & doesn't want it. Most of the time she realizes it's good & wants more. That 1st bite is always a challenge. If she still doesn't want anything after that 1st bite, then I leave her alone, & no sweet snacks.
2006-12-26 08:53:26 · answer #5 · answered by catwoman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like my mother tells me for a while kids live to eat and then they eat to live.... Put the cookie up and he will come to the table when he is hungry. Take this as an opportunity to learn that he eats whats cooked or not at all. He is still to young to force himself to get sick from not eating, when he feels the hunger pain he will come eat.
2006-12-26 09:48:36 · answer #6 · answered by Dizzy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son is also very picky on eating. He always has something "better" to do. I will put on his favorite movie in the bedroom and tell him he can go watch it after he eats. It works for me.
I wouldn't advise letting him go without eating too often. Serious complications arise with a child who doesn't get enough nutrition.
2006-12-26 08:28:05 · answer #7 · answered by colored_gem23 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of kids go through stages where they won't eat. Just make sure you dont let him only eat sweets. And give him a childrens multi vitamin. And maybe mention it to his doctor on his next visit. Otherwise its probably just a phase.
Good luck
2006-12-26 08:24:43 · answer #8 · answered by Lisa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried to make eating regular foods fun like calling it weird names like calling spaghetti worms. We also used to tell the kids that their favorite TV characters favorite food was whatever i was feeding them. You can even make dinner time a picnic in the play room or anything to make it different than just sitting down to eat.
2006-12-26 08:29:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't worry, unless he start to lose weight. All kids go through this kind of thing. My kids did and they are healthy 29 26 and 24 year olds.
2006-12-26 08:29:46 · answer #10 · answered by sansan4828 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋