My 5 year old is refusing to eat. Even his favourite's. Should I be worried or is this a phase?

Question

He has been doing this for a few day's now. He will say he is hungry right before the meal, I will then make his plate and this is when it starts. He will start screaming and crying saying his stomach hurts or he is not hungry. He will even try to make himself vomit. I have asked him why he is trying to vomit or why his stomach hurts. I have also gone to the extent of driving him to the hospital to scare him. It works for a few minutes and then we are back to the samething at meal time. Its gone so far that he will go to bed hungry. These fits are bad, tears, red face and all. I don't know what to do. He is on a eating schedule with limited snacks and sugar. I'm at a lost. Thanks for your help...

Answer 1

Several possibilities:

First, don't make this a big deal in front of him.

Sometimes this is just a bid for attention, even kids who seem to get a ton of attention, will sometimes try to get more, pos or neg. ever heard give them an inch and they'll want a mile? 5 more minutes to watch TV...awwwww mom can I have 10??

He won't starve himself.
Whatever the meal is, set it in front of him, give a reasonable amount of time for him to eat, and when that time is up, the meal is over, no snacks between meals. Kids go thru phases of eating like a "bird" or a person with a "hollow leg". Growth spurts etc.

If there is no fever or signs of illness try the above, just make sure he stays hydrated. If after a few days he really isn't eating, go see the doctor.

Answer 2

When it comes to eating, 5 year olds are not martyrs for their hunger strike cause. They will eat. It is up to you to limit their choices to what you want them to eat, and do not allow yourself to be played. Furthermore, make them eat when you want them to, not when they want to. At this age, it is important that a child come up against a brick wall when they pull this kind of thing. It's all a game to them to see if they can beat you. Like the other person says, if it persists for more than a day or two, consider seeking a doctor's advice, but I bet it won't even last that long. How long can YOU go without eating?

Answer 3

We need more info, like how long has this been going on. If it is just for today I wouldn't worry too much. If it has been going on for several days I would take them to the doctor. Have you asked him if he is feeling sick. If he isn't, sometimes just telling them that they have to go to the doctor is enough to get them to do something. My mom's friend's youngest son kept telling her, for 3 days in a row that he was sick and didn't want to go to Kindergarten. Finally she told him that she would have to take him to the doctor for a shot. All of a sudden he was "Cured" and went to school after that with no problems.

Answer 4

I'd take him to a doctor if he isn't eating ANYTHING. Missing one or two meals is one thing, but a few days would have me concerned. Out of curiousity, is it only dinnertime that this happens, or all meals?

Answer 5

That is not normal behaviour for a five year old. Finickyness, yes, but not to that extent.
I really would recommend a visit to the pediatrician.

Answer 6

has he been sick... prehaps he isnt feeling good
or if he is just saying he doesnt want to eat just because
he will eat when he is hungry
make sure he is hidrated though
i dont think it will last more than a day or two
and if it does
go see a doctor

Answer 7

its a phase, try telling him theres a prize at the bottom of the plate

Answer 8

lt could be a phase but lf your child doesn`t eat soon then you may have to take your 5yr old to see a doctor

Answer 9

don't make him just tell him he isn't going to get anything else and i bet u when its time to eat agin he will eat.

Answer 10

let him eat when he wants