Help with a picky eater?

Question

I've finally had enough. My four year old son is way too picky about what he eats! It's seems that this is only an issue at home. ( I know, my fault for caving in) When he is at the daycare or at his dad's for the weekend, he'll eat anything they put in front of him. When he's at home with me, he only wants one thing. I've finally decided to put my foot down and make him eat what the rest of us are eating. I know that it will be hard for a couple of days. I hate the thought of my little one going to bed hungry, but I know it's for his own good that he tries and eats more things. I feel bad for spoiling him in the past and giving into the whining. Please...any parents that have gone through this..Help!! I need advice on how to stay strong and not give in. My fiance says that he'll be fine and he'll eat when he's hungry, I know that's true. I just can't stand the thought of him being hungry. Please...give me some advice on how to get through this

What are some good techniques to help both me and my son? I know I'm a push-over when it comes to him..I just want him to eat healthier foods!!

Answer 1

I had a picky four year old also (girl) but since I've started printing out our weekly menu, she's been eating what we're eating. I've explained that some nights she will have to eat something she doesn't like as much but then on another night, she'll get her favourite which might not be everyone else's. She will often ask me first thing in the morning what's on the menu for that day, I guess it helps her mentally prepare !
You might want to make sure to give him his favourite at least once during the week to keep him interested (and use it as a bribe).
My daughter has also started using cherry sauce (like the one you get with chicken balls) for everything and loves it, I have friends who's kids use ranch dressing on everything...so if your son likes ketchup or another type of "dressing", let him put it on everything, if it gets him eating it doesn't matter.
Just stick with it !

Answer 2

Just tell him that this is what is for this meal. If you don't want it, fine, but no more food until the next meal. Then, stick with it. Eventually he will eat because he's hungry. As long as he's well fed in general, he will not suffer ill health effects.
It's good that you know what the problem is, just be consistent and firm. It will take time, but eventually he will out grow it.

Answer 3

i put hundreds and thousand on whatever my son decides he doesn't like for that day. there is hardly any sugar and he eats it every time