What can I do?

Question

My son is 2 1/2, since he was born I have had no problems getting him to eat. He was always a good eater. Recently, he has not been eating proper foods. He will take a few bites and say he doesnt like it or doesnt want it. Some people say that he is just going tru a stage that all kids do, but I am not sure what to do. He only likes sweets and cakes. In the mornings he eats his breakfast, but just snacks throughout the day. He also goes to his Nana's house while I am at work, and she gives him all that he wants. I choose not to give him sweets, instead try to give him fruits. So does she, but even still, he is not getting his vegies or meats in. Help me, what is the cause, and what can I do to help him like normal foods again? Could a change of place be one reason he isnt eating. Since we moved out of his Nana's house it seems to be the start of this odd behaviour. (before we lived at his nana's we lived in America, we now live in our own house in scotland) Any ideas will be helpful.

Thank you all for you anwers, they have helped me tremendously. As far as the sweets are conserned, he doesnt eat as much at it may seem. He eats plenty of fresh fruit such as grapes, pears, apples, bannanas and so forth, just getting him to sit and eat a meal is hard work. (he asks for something to eat, and I fix it, he takes two bites and says he doesnt want it) Its hard for me to keep my cool sometimes. As for putting the sweet infront of him, that would be a no-no, he would go wild for it. I will deffenately try the ideas you all have given to me, thanks again for your help and ideas!

Answer 1

I've notice my 2 yr. old is eating less as well. She doesn't eat all the sweets but, none the less is beginning to eat less food in general. The information that I've come across
(source listed) suggests that this is a normal stage in their development. That they don't need as many calories during this stage. Just try to offer him a variety of options from which to choose. The move to Scotland may have had an effect I don't know what the difference in local diet is from your previous one here in the states but, I know that meats and vegetables tastes and textures vary from place to place based on where products are from. time in transit and means of transportation. I'd try some old no fails, mac-n-cheese, chicken fingers (anything with a dip), etc. Also we've been using other things to entice her to eat such as: using big fork, eating from big plate, having a real cup to drink from, making and eating burritos, tacos or sandwiches (things you eat with your hands as a package??? amuses my daughter).

Answer 2

Wow, America to Scotland, that's a big move!

My son is almost the same age. He eats great for breakfast and lunch but not dinner. I give him Cream of Wheat for breakfast, it has lots of vitamins. You could give it for other meals too. Lots of kids don't like meat. Try eggs, peanut butter and tofu for his protein sources. I don't know how to make tofu kid-friendly, but you could crumble it and mix it with spaghetti sauce if he'll eat that.

My kids don't touch vegetables either. Two docs said that since the kids eat fruit, it's not a problem.

If your son is verbal, talk to him about not living at Nana's any more. Maybe he has some confusion about 2 moves (from American to Scotland with Nana, then out of Nana's house).
I am sure with you and his Nana's love he will overcome this. If he seems healthy then he is getting enough food. Most toddlers won't intentionally starve themselves. Good luck.

Answer 3

At 2 1/2 you can't really say ok. you are going to sit here and eat until your veggies are gone, but what about putting a piece of cake or something in front of him just out of his reach. Tell him to eat a bite of meat or veggie or whatever is on his plate, and then he can have a bite of desert. Start out small, and progressively get to two bites, then three. Pretty soon he will, hopefully be at eat what is on your plate than you can have desert. Moving is a big thing for kids. He got into a routine and it is hard for them to change. He will eventually get over it though.

Answer 4

honestly i think its a phase too.... my son started this just after 2 and he does the same thing... my daughter sees this and does it now to... they are just starting to eat supper a bit again now and he just turned 3.... just keep giving him healthier foods and he will come around just give him time. I found that this happened to me when i had daycare kids come over during the day... he would eat what they were eating and i only serve healthy foods for a snack... also with the daycare kids we have "snack time" so there is only snacks at 10 and 3 and that is it. Maybe some sort of a snack schedule would work for you.... if you could get grandma to agree.... good luck.... it will get better :)

Answer 5

I would introduce a meal routine and not allow snacks at all. Don't leave any food in cupboards that he can reach. When it's meal time, tell him he can have a pudding, but only if he eats enough of his main meal. He'll eventually learn that he only gets sweet things after a meal.

-edit-
To answer Herding C's question about Tofu, you could blend it with plain yoghurt and use it in a lasagne recipe - works well for our children

Answer 6

stop buying sweets and cakes and tell your child care provider to not give sweets or pack food for him and make sure to tell them to only give what you brought. if they dont comply get a new sitter its that simple if you dont buy he cant eat it

Answer 7

Just pimp slap him