I have a kid for the past 2.5 years. He's going to be 6 in a few weeks. He's always been a picky eater, but it's become ridiculous. Will only eat bread, crackers, granola bars(if they have no dried fruit or nuts), sugary 'treat' cereals, cheese strings, tube yogurt, peanut butter, scrambled eggs, plain pasta and apples if the mood is right. There's the odd time he might eat meat and of course always treats.

It's become so bad though, that at each meal and snack, he will choose his favorite item and eat only that and expects unlimited amounts of that. For instance, one day we had homemade chicken noodle soup, choice of salad and/or veggies(carrots, cucumbers, peppers) and dip/dressing of their choice, one slice of toast with butter and a glass of milk. This kid only wanted to eat toast. And then wanted more. I told him, like everyone else, he must eat all his food first and only then csn he have more of an item. He complains to mom he doesn't get enough to eat and she gets all concerned that I'm not giving him enough to eat. I explained the situation, what we were eating, and she already knows my policy of eat what you have if you want more. She tells me he doesn't like those other foods and she doesn't enforce any rules about trying everything at home, he's allowed what he wants when he wants. She feels rules surrounding food are setting kids up for 'food issues' and eating disorders. He literally has never tried any fruit except apples and no veggies. It's insane. If I ask him to try a grape or carrot, he will scream and cry. It's pathetic. I realize this issue was created and perpetuated by mom and can only be solved by her getting on board. I just find it pathetic that she can't be bothered to encourage healthy eating. His school snacks every day are atrocious....always a pack of kool aid and either rice crispy squares, bear paws or chips. There are entire meals or snacks he refuses to eat because I won't make his 'favorite'.