Bad eating habits

[mickyc]

He will eat and actually today he is doing well. By teats I mean whatever grain we are eating. He would eat only grain/carbs if I let him which is why I don't allow him to just pick what he wants. I give him the smallest portion but really if I made it smaller he would get nothing. He drinks with a straw cup. He also consumes very little liquid in a day as well.

[Fun&care]

I have a picky eater too. She's been with me for 2 years and to this day will not even TRY drinking a smoothie. Everyone else loves them so I serve them often. There are some days where she almost doesn't eat at all. She will eat the carb portion of the meal, then say she's done and leaves the table because she knows that if she wants seconds she has to have to veggie/fruit/protein portion of the meal as well. she gets a (junkie) snack as soon as she gets home so she will starve herself anyways.

I've talked to parents and they've told me they encourage her to eat healthy at home. Which is a total FARCE!!! DCG has been telling me herself that mommy and daddy give her Kraft noodles while they eat "rice" or something. She talks about Kraft noodles ALL THE TIME. That and goldfish and milk I think are staple in her diet.

There isn't mich we can do. As lee bee said it's our job to put healthy food in front of them and thats it. I know I am not going to get into a big power struggle over it nor am I going to force her to eat. The parents know how I do things, the rest is on them.

[kindertime]

Have you tried smoothies? Ice cubes, milk and frozen fruit is what I use but you could try the kind of juice that has fruits and veggies in it. You said he drinks with a straw cup, if you make it smooth enough that might work. I actually give my kids spoons with the cup. They think thats fun. I obviously haven't seen this kid in "action" but if he would drink 1/2 or even 1/4 of a cup in a reasonable time then maybe then he'd move on with the meal.

From what you are describing, it sounds like he might have swallowing issues, like 5LM said. I have worked with kids that do. It is a physical thing he has to learn. I am only suggesting because he eats so slowly at home too which suggests that it isn't about being stubborn with you. If it is physical, maybe a little occupational therapy might help. Is there any other 'warning' signs too? Does he talk, sing, blow? Does he seem to have a strong gag reflex?

Maybe his teeth hurt. Has he been to a dentist yet? Maybe he has a really strong sense of taste. Maybe he doesn't like the taste of anything. When I was a kid, I couldn't eat most veggies cooked because they tasted like dirt to me.