Quote Originally Posted by ebhappydc View Post
Tough love - I love it! but no, I prob don't want to push this to the point of calling 911! Yes, I've had him in my care since he was 12 months, and he has always been a very picky eater (more so at home i'm told by parents) but I was always able to get him to eat a bit of egg, or pasta, but he won't even taste test anything anymore. He chooses to eat the crackers/cookie/crunchy only items in the variety of foods offered over the course of 2 snacks and a lunch. It has gotten worse over the last few months (pasta not right colour/shape).... eats absolutely no meat (which would be fine, but doesn't eat alternative for protein) except pizza pepperoni. He's basically a very easy child in every other respect, but he is grossed out very easily.... string on the banana so can't finish it; microscopic bruise on apple so can't finish and nearly gagging so doesn't want new blemish-free piece. Although, I don't get it because pizza is kind of a messy looking meal with cheesy strings everywhere and that doesn't bother him.... If we do a messy art activity he can't stand getting his hands dirty with that either. The one healthy thing he does like is a cold smoothie (packed with spinach/fruit/nut butter) and I think that's been keeping him healthy, but I don't make those every day. I think part of it too is a consequence of his parent's busy working and home life schedule.... rushing to get food on the table after work...
Well, I think as long as he stays hydrated that's all I will worry about and just let his parents know on the daily record! Thanks
Just to clarify it wasn't a cruel 'tough love'. Lol, obviously no one wants for a child to pass out. Especially on a daycare providers watch. But I can't help but think if this child is so picky that they opt to not eat enough nutrition to make it through the day in an upright position then more attention needs to be drawn to the fact that something is off. I would wager that it is just that he hasn't been in the position long enough to NEED to eat foods he doesn't like...but perhaps there is a bigger issue that might not be identified if he is given just enough of what he wants to stay standing.

If it truly is a texture issue then there should be supports in place to help him over come that and to figure out what those issues are in place. The fact he seems so happy and healthy on all other fronts makes me think it is just a behavioral thing and not an autism spectrum or such as a root cause!

I wish you luck in making gains with him!! :-)