My son id 8 years old and has never eaten much meat. He'll eat some chicken but only once in a while, and hot dogs. He hates meat no matter how I cook it, and he'll only eat canned veggies, yuck! What can I do, I don't think he is very healthy. He's smaller that the other kids his age and his hair looks and feels unhealthy, he takes vitamins every day and the doctor doesn't tell me anything. Help???
2007-10-11 08:18:59 · 10 answers · asked by kelly 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Kids need the vitamin B6 (I think) that's in meat to grow. Since you are giving him a vitamin supplement, he may be getting the recommended dose of the B6. Make sure he's getting enough Folic Acid too (helps with hair and skin). Watch cereals, alot of them are high in Folic Acid and still yummy.
Beyond that, as long as he's getting plenty of protein...beans, peanut butter, eggs, etc. He'll be fine.
Next time you're at the doctors, ask him for a list of vitamins and minerals that a child needs. Or ask a nutritionist who is used to working with children, as their diet is different from ours. The veggies, even the canned ones, are good for him. Fresh is always better, but the canned ones will do.
One thing, have you checked his teeth/mouth? The reason I ask is that it appears he'll only eat "soft" foods. And that could be a sign that he's having problems chewing.
Keep an eye on his growth chart. As long as he's within range, he'll be fine. Just keep offering him the healthy stuff and make sure he takes his vitamins.
The best advice I received (from my pediatrician) was to offer the "right" foods, be sure he takes his vitamin, and to relax. Stressing about his food choices will cause him to have an unhealthy obsession with foods.
2007-10-11 11:09:31 · answer #1 · answered by jenn_jenn02 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, stay away from suppliments (Pedisure) because once a child gets 'hooked' on them you have an extremely difficult time getting them to eat normal food again.
This is what my son did with his girls when they tried to become 'finicky' eaters. Put a plate of food in front of the kid. If the child only eats certain things, remove the plate, cover the plate and place the plate in the frig. Next meal, remove the plate, remove the cover, heat the food up, put plate in front of child again (do NOT add any other things to it). You repeat this process until the child finally eats everything on the plate - the child will because he/she will get hungry. NO SNACKS/FOOD IN BETWEEN MEALS!
No bread or liquids during meals (except for milk with cereal or soups). YOU feed the child what YOU want him/her to eat NOT what he/she wants to eat!
Once the child gets hungry and realizes THEY are NOT the boss - they will eat anything you give them.
Now, my grand daughters will eat everything that's given to them, however, they MUST eat foods in a certain order; veggies first, meat and then fillers (potatoes, etc.) plus, no liquids until they are entirely finished with their meal. If my son can do this - anyone else can also do this.
2007-10-11 09:31:24 · answer #2 · answered by David G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hate to be old fashioned but who's in charge at your house??? You must be firm! Offer a variety of healthy foods, the child will not starve himself.
Peanut butter, cheese and eggs are excellent proteins for anybody. Milkshakes with various fruits and ice cream added are popular with kids and good for him too.
Hot dogs really are not the best food- please make sure they are kosher or one of the turkey varieties, watch the nitrates- very bad.
Have faith and offer healthy choices. You'll be OK
2007-10-11 08:31:26 · answer #3 · answered by riderchick56 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I give my 1 1/2 years old son Pediasure to supplement his finicky eating habits. Talk to your doctor about Pediasure.
2007-10-11 08:21:59 · answer #4 · answered by Proud mother! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was born a vegetarian 65 years ago. The doctors told my parents I had to eat meat or I would die.
"Just feed the boy meat and when he gets hungry enough he will eat."
They even cut my milk off at school.
Three days later my wise dad said' Feed him his vegetables, he is starving to death.
My blood is fine, my health is good.
2007-10-11 08:26:46 · answer #5 · answered by Fred F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your doing good by giving him his vit's. A persons body automatically craves what it needs. Don't push the issue.Try soups. Don't compare his size to others because everyone has different chemical make-ups. Does he like fruit? Try taking him to the store and make it fun and try to see if he wants to pick out some new fun food.
2007-10-11 08:30:09 · answer #6 · answered by SKYE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trust me, if he gets hungry enough, he'll eat. He only eats like this because you've allowed him to. Put a piece of chicken on his plate, if he doesn't eat it, that's too bad, he'll go hungry. Eventually he'll get over this and eat like a normal person.
2007-10-11 08:44:52 · answer #7 · answered by ☆ღWifey Wifeyღ☆ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If he's healthy, why are you fussing? Let it go. You CANNOT force him to eat anything! If he doesn't like what you serve, throw his food away and ask him to leave the table. He'll eat eggs in the morning.
2007-10-11 08:56:30 · answer #8 · answered by TryItOnce 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I saw Jerry Seinfeld wife on Oprah the other day and she was promoting her cook book called "Deceitfully Delicious." Her books shows how to cook with different veg. and fruit peres. Showed how to hide the veg. and fruit in the foods your children love. I am going to try it.
2007-10-11 08:44:59 · answer #9 · answered by mickyg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to get him protein other ways, maybe tofu, eggs , etc....Let him pick out fresh veggies from the store and some dip for them.
2007-10-11 08:25:15 · answer #10 · answered by Tbone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋