How do you get a stubborn 2 year to eat?

Question

My 2 year daugther hasn't ate in a little over 12 hours she won't anything I try to feed her.

Also she weighs 23 pounds.and this not eating thing just started last night at dinner

Answer 1

Honestly when this happens, you need to just give the child the food he likes. Even if it's not what you serve for dinner, because he has to eat. He will eat when he gets hungry. But maybe try giving him french fries, or pizza or something. I know it's not the healthiest of foods, but if he eats it that is all that matters. Tell him something like if he eats he'll get a treat after.

Answer 2

You offer them good food at dinner time. If they don't eat it don't give them a snack. And they can just wait until the next meal time. If your child's weight is normal I wouldn't worry about it. They will eat when they are hungry. If your child is not gaining weight then you need to take him/her in for a check up. Most kids will eat when they are hungry. If you don't think there is a physical problem causing your child not to eat or to gain weight, then it is just a power struggle. You have to pick your battles. There is no reason to sit there all day waiting for a healthy 2 year old to eat. If they don't eat at meal time they can wait for the next meal.

Answer 3

Forcing kids to do things like eat or potty train is not a good thing. If he is hungry he will eat, simple as that. Give him a time line to eat his supper or whatever and if he dosnt then well, take it away or let him sit there till he eats (your choice). Dont get into the habit of cooking a bunch of things just so he will eat. if he dosnt eat what you make him, then he gets nothing, and he will eat it when he is hungry enough. kids go through these stages, if he dont want nothing, dont worry

Answer 4

He will eat when he is hungry. If you make a big production out of this you will be going through this testing on everything. My own father used to say then don't eat, it will be here when your hungry - believe I did not starve. Please don't make a special effort to entice him with what he wants or special items as you will jump through hoops forever. Stay your ground, it may sound mean but in the long run you are doing him a favor.

Answer 5

Your child will eat when he/she is hungry. My 2 year old skips a lot of meals and I use to worry but I talked to the Dr and they said not to worry. She is healthy. Also, I think it takes something like 9 - 12 times to like a new food presented to them.

Answer 6

Don't sweat it. My grandson is almost 2 and I watch my daughter go through the same problem. Just wait him/her out and have something healthy for them to eat when they get ready.

Also try this. Prepare something for yourself to eat. You start eating first and see if they take the bait! Ha!

Answer 7

Isn't that frustrating?! My 18 month old loves that game, but if he doesn't eat dinner he'll usually make up for it the next day. Don'y worry, it's normal!!

Answer 8

I had the same problem with my son. My MD told me to leave food out for him --- crackers, dry cereal, cut up fruit and cheese and he would pick on it while he was busy running around the house creating havoc. Sure it may be messy, but he survived and trust me he did not starve. It is a control thing and your child is normal and asserting him/her self.

Answer 9

You don't. Just keep presenting healthy food. He or she WILL eat eventually.

Answer 10

It's a game, he's being a stinker. He won't starve!! When he gets hungry he will eat!!