Cherrio Diet

[bright sparks]

I think you should remove the cheerios COMPLETELY. I think you should also have a very frank conversation with the parents on the plan of action and try to get them on board with removing cheerios from their house altogether. I hazard a guess, a pretty confident one at that, that the parents are catering to him and that is where the problem lies. It is going to be very difficult to break but not nearly as difficult as if you wait to take control of this and try when the child is 18mths or 2yrs. The child knows with absolute certainty that if they scream long enough they will get what they want. A strong willed child will probably hold out for a good day or two fighting you and the parents before they break and try other things, maybe even longer. Ultimately it will probably take a few naptimes and bedtimes with an empty stomach before he realizes that the grown ups aren't playing this game anymore. Can you spoon feed? I totally get that at this age they should be more independent and you are busy with the others, but if the child were able to at least taste something else on a regular basis, even if they don't have more than a spoonful, it may help. It's like the child needs to be weaned again.

This parent is okay with you feeding them cheerios all day because THEY ARE LAZY! They don't want to deal with being the PARENT as the child is to demanding and challenging so as a result they have given in to the childs mealtime demands and have a child who is ruling the roost. If every adult who cares for this child NEVER EVER EVER, gave in to the "cheerio screaming" I am very confident that in a week or two there would be some changes in this boys diet. It is our job as caregivers to cater to the childs needs not wants. I would offer 2-3 tbsp. of food per meal or snack time so there is less waste and have some reserves in case he eats and wants more. NO CHEERIOS. If you want him to eat, take back control and have the parents on board by telling them as it is. Otherwise you will likely be fighting a losing battle.