My daughter is 3 and 1/2 . She was always pretty good, ate almost anything. Lately she's acting up, doesn't wanna eat anything and if I really want to make her eat I have to feed her and play with her at the same time (meaning like let her color and spoon the food in her). I just don't know what to do to make her eat by herself - and no, "don't feed her, she'll get hungry" does not work,tried that, she would eat little by herself just to tie her over, but she could go on apple a day for a week (we tried, really). This is going on for little over two weeks now and I guess because of lack of nutriens she's REALLY cranky, throwing tautrums, etc..... something she hasn't been doing before. And yes, there are changes (like she started preschool,.....) but that could only explain it but not solve this. Any ideas?
P.S. By the way, we tried time-outs, she already lost watching TV or playing on the computer, no toys at the table,.... don't know what else to take away....
2007-02-20 06:03:48 · 7 answers · asked by aaja 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Lots of little ones have trouble when they start Preschool. It's a big, scary world with lots of new rules and activities. Kids often act out their conflicts in the food arena,too. She's so busy trying to process all the changes in her life, she doesn't have time to eat!
At 3.5 years, she should be giving you a bit of trouble concerning her food intake, at any rate.
She's trying to become independent, and while it may freak Moms out, no child ever starved to death.
She's probably not cranky from lack of food, but from the conflict between the two of you.The more you can behave as if her food intake is unimportant to you, the more she will begin to consume food naturally. It's really important to pick your battles at this age, because you can unwittingly set up a battleground between the two of you that will last for years.
If she likes to do other things while she eats, why not offer her a plate of foods that she enjoys, and let her eat randomly from it.
Preschool age kids don't like big meals 3X daily anyway. They need frequent, small meals.
At my house, we do "Monkey Platters", which is just a plate of several different foods, like sliced melons, bananas, apple slices, cheese, or turkey breast lunchmeat. Little PBJ sandwiches cut into triangles are good,too. Whatever they like is usually a big hit.
The kids get their nutrients and I get to stop worrying about nutrition.
It sounds like you are doing a great job at parenting.
Good Luck!
2007-02-20 06:21:04 · answer #1 · answered by Croa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just ignore it. She will eat when she gets hungry. It is a stage most kids go through at her age. Don't make a big deal out of it. She will eat when she wants. But on the chance that there might be something physically wrong I would take her to her pediatrician to be on the safe side. Also ignore the tantrums. Walk away from her when she throws one. And be consistent in everything you do about this. That could be your problem. Good luck, but really get a professional opinion.
2007-02-20 06:25:35 · answer #2 · answered by Diana 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it’s time to see a doctor.
I would say that she will eat when she is hungry. My son at that age has also tried to get me to feed him and I just said no way. Then, when the snacks come out later, then he wants to eat, but I had saved his supper and he had to finish before he can eat.
Maybe promise something good at the end – bribe her with chocolate for eating most of her supper like a big girl but stop giving in to her.
Don’t forget that children go in eating cycles – they’ll eat lots one week and then the next week won’t touch anything.
2007-02-20 06:26:21 · answer #3 · answered by babypocket2005 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First of all how much television does this child get to watch that "loosing" it would mean anything? And WHY is she playing on the computer? She is too young. Kids go through all kinds of non eating spurts in childhood. If she doesn't eat she doesn't eat, do not offer he snacks later on, she isn't going to starve to death.
2007-02-21 18:27:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find stuff she will like to eat like mack and cheese and chicken nuggets. My pediatrician said if they go thru a phaze where they eat mac and cheese only for a couple of days this is normal. It will not kill them. Try slicing up a hotdog to look like an octopus or some crackers and cheese. They like simple things. cherrios. Ask her what she wants to eat.
2007-02-20 06:11:37 · answer #5 · answered by xx_muggles_xx 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i helped out with 15,yes 15 Nessie's and nephews..and because of this.i agree with muggles..ask her what she wants to eat..some times a bowl of dry cereal works..pop tarts,and other foods that are quick and simple prove to be the route to take when a child is like that..and i think it's a phase she's going through..and if it is..be patient with her
2007-02-20 06:23:00 · answer #6 · answered by lawnwolfie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no 1 likes to read long quiestions i bet 90% of people pass them by when there this long.
2007-02-20 06:07:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋