why do certain children go on "food strikes"? I heard this happens around 2-3 yrs old.?

Answer 1

There are a number of reasons. Boredom with what is being served. Sometimes textures have to do with it...a child might not like a texture of a certian food type. And it can also be a change in tastes...I know that throughout my life my food tastes have changed, more than once.
One thing I found helpful was having my daughter help with food preperation. She would wash the vegetables for me. At 21 sge us ab expert at "shucking" corn on the cob LOL. If I needed something from the refridgerator I would have her get it for me. I started showing her how to turn the stove/oven on and off and what tempratures to cook at. (this had it's "drawbacks" though because quite often I would go into the kitchen and find the oven on and nothign cooking...LOL) I let her help me set the table, get out the condiments. This way she would come to the table proud that she had helped prepare the meal and being proud was willing to partake of HER creation.

Answer 2

Lil kids eat very little in general, even after they've begged for something they "really, really want".

I've never had to deal a child's "food strike", but I think it's one of those control-everything stages of a child's thinking and learning.

It might also be similarly explained with the same way as when a child loves salty tastes and are obsessed with eating butter...some say this is caused by a need or deficiency of something.

Maybe you could try...

-ask the child to help plan the meal, possibly helping cook (finding the ingredients in the kitchen, spoon-stirring, pulling out bread-slices from the bag, putting food together with ready pieces/toppings).

-just go about the day as usual and keep a small snack handy (cheerios, peanutbutter crackers*possible allergy danger, cheese-nips)

-if you're not sure what he/she likes anymore, take them to the grocery store, if uncomfortable then sit them in child seat of cart. Let them look and talk about foods, but Don't Tell the child why you are really strolling around the store...this would possibly help you with a child's control issues...don't give up and take him home...wait for at least 20-30minutes while looking around with the child, or go through checkout when you agree to pay for what they might choose. Again: wait until the child chooses some kind of food, or until 20-30minutes have passed, whichever comes first.

-If you have tried all of the above suggestions, be safe-than-sorry and have a check-up with their doctor. Even simple things could decrease their appetite: ear infection, unnoticed strep throat, urinary tract infection, and usually improve with basic treatment.

-Believe me, I as myself know how expensive a check-up can be, but if you HAVE already taken the child to the doctor, it's best to take them again. Doctors are always hasty or in a rush and...some people may argue that not trying to find an answer to "food strikes" could be considered "parental neglect".

Please just try to be safe and not sorry!

Answer 3

Because they are 2-3 and they think they can!

I believe at that age they are often in a age struggle. Often they are too old to be babied and too young to be the big kid. The food strike is a matter of control. "My body, I get to put what I want in it and you can't make me eat." KWIM?

My older child never went through that phase but my middle child who is 3 goes on food strikes. Breakfast lunch and dinner I usually hear No! But he does do a lot of snacking. Healthy snacks. Peanut butter with apples. All different fruits and veggies. I try to make fish at least twice a week because it is something he does like.

Try to make food fun. Find creative ways and disguise food.

Oh edited: I asked our Ped about this behavior, he said it was completely normal. He will eat when he wants to eat and is NOT going to starve.

Answer 4

I think you have gotten some very good answers, so I won't repeat what they said although I can agree with it!

I had read that when they are toddlers/preschoolers many kids will pick out ONE AREA in which to assert their authority, and food is one of them. Others are napping/sleeping at night, potty training, and I can't remember the others. I'd probably rather have a kid rebel with food than with POTTY TRAINING.

Answer 5

Well, I think alot of it is the parents fault. thats why they become picky eaters is because their parents make them things they know the kids will eat. Some parents do'nt realize kids will eat when they are hungry and to feed them the same stuff you eat. They will not starve for not eating one or 2 meals. We have a daycare in our home and one of the kids will only eat hot dogs and pop tarts. Not very nutritious.

Answer 6

They do it to assert their power. They are proving that they are growing up by not listening to you anymore.