My 7 year old son is a finicky eater, and is underweight. He needs to gain about 6 lbs. Any suggestions?

Question

He has a G-tube, but we are trying to get it removed. He CAN eat, but he WON'T eat.

His main source of nutrition is smoothies - we make them using Pediasure, fruit and yogurt. And yes, he does like pizza and chips, but I want him to learn healthy habits from the get go. I'm really looking for healthy, calorie rich recepies

Answer 1

What does he like? Fruit, yogurt, cheese, and whole grain breads would probably be good choices for him. I wouldn't push too much, just make it available and encourage him to try things. If you are modeling good eating habits, he is more likely to try. Cut up some fruit in bite sized pieces and put it on a plate with some yogurt for dipping. You snack on it, tell him how good it is and encourage him to try it. How about making smoothies? They're a nice, rich, thick drink with a sweet taste that often appeals to kids, and maybe milkshakes, but make your own so he doesn't develop a taste for fast food junk! There might be other soft food choices that would interest him to begin with, like cottage cheese (try cottage doubles, which come with a little fruit to mix in), or chicken salad. Cook meats like chicken in a little broth on low heat for a longer period of time so they come out very tender. And remember it may take a few tries for him to develop a liking for a new food, so encourage him to try again. Tell him "Your tast buds are growing up, just like you. Just because they didn't like that yogurt last Monday, doesn't mean they won't like it today. When I was your age, I didn't like yogurt either, but when I was just a little older than you, I LOVED it!"

Answer 2

My 10 year old son is the same way. Ever since going to solid foods as a toddler he has been finicky and hard to feed. He will not eat it or if he does he throws it up. I gave in and started just focusing on what he does like (which isn't much). I prepare separate meal for him (I know I get a rash of poop for that but at least he eats) but always offer what I make for my husband and I. Once in awhile he likes what he tries and he'll have something new. I'm careful because as I said he will throw up. He has always been underweight. He is 68lbs now but the doctor says he is a good weight with child obesity being such a problem these days. Its embarrasing eating out or with company because he just won't do it. One important thing is his nutrition. I found that he likes chocoloate milk so I give him a glass of milk chocolate carnation instant breakfast every morning with his breakfast (and when I say breakfast he only eats brown sugar oatmeal with butter) or his dinner (usually chicken nuggets with rice or macaroni and cheese and brocolli) daily! It's like taking vitamins since he doesn't take any vitamins due to "gagging". I also started letting him prepare food with me which helps. I hear once he hits puberty he'll eat more too. Since he doesn't eat much I always go with butter on his food like on rice, pasta etc. and since he likes milk I do whole milk only so he'll get the fat. I used to get so mad at him and make him sit at the table or yell and it was bad and I don't want to traumatize him but when people are always asking why he's so skinny it really "wigged" me out because I felt they were thinking I wasn't feeding him. I stick to what fruits and veggies he likes which is only cantelope and brocolli for now but so be it.

Also try kids cuisine in the frozen food section. My son likes the hamburger and chicken nuggest although he doesn't eat the dessert, he eats the main course, corn and french fries it comes with.

Answer 3

Is a G-Tube a tube that allows him to eat? Well maybe ask him what he wants. Most kids like pizza or chips. While it is junk food it is high in calories and it is an approvment. Myabe say if he eats good food he gets a gift or money? Bribe him. :O

Answer 4

Try got milk its way healthier than cow milk and is 3 times more nutritnal and also has 3 more vitamins and it tasts very good, add chocolate to it if you want to drink chocolatemilk.
Also let him eat anything he asks for healthy or not.

Answer 5

At age 7, worrying about 6 pounds is just not that necessary. Now if he were overwieght, you should worry. As long as he is eating healthy, don't worry that much. He is still growing.