[tenderlovingtreasure]

Will a doctor give orders for pediasure or any other nutritional suppliment for a child who doesnt eat well needs the extra nutrients? My fs doesn't eat two out of three meals a day and refuses snacks often. He wants sugar and nothing but sugar. He refuses peanut butter anything and will not touch any healthy foods. When I say healthy foods I mean cheeses, crackers, or hearty meals that lack junk food status. I am not talking poached salmon or salad mixes. I am talking fried chicken, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese type foods. He wont eat anything. He wants cereal for breakfast, ya know the sugary types, with no milk. How healthy is that to give a kid. He said he only eats when his parents take him to taco bell or mcdonalds. We dont do that often because it just isnt healthy so I am worried about his calorie intake. I purchased vitamins when he came to the house because they told me he was picky. Well picky doesnt even touch his eating habits. He will tell you give me candy or I am not eating beause I dont like it. We let him make the decision and when he doesnt eat he saves his energy on time out or by taking naps until the next meal comes. When he eats he is rewarded by a popsicle or cookie then gets to go play. He dont care about the rewards though. He just flat out refuses to eat anything relatively good for him. I figured if I got him some vitamins that would help him and also if I could get him something like pediasure or something similar he would do a little better.

[po]

He is using food as a control issue. If he knows it bothers you, It will be worse. He knows that he cannot control alot of things but he has learned that he can control the food. I was told by a dr. that when a kid get hungry he will eat. If he does not want to eat, cover it and put it in the refrigerator until he wants something to eat and then offer it to him. Do not show any concern. Heat it, put it in front of him and walk off. I know that it is hard to do. Give him a certain time to eat and then remove it. Keep it up and they will finally eat something. Lots of praise when they do. Do not give in to the junk or sweets even as a bribe. Dr. said a kid will not starve themselves it just seems like it.

[Nicole Elaine]

I agree. We had two picky eaters and they learned to eat what they were given, or they would go hungry. It sounds so mean, I know, but they just have to go hungry until they're hungry enough to eat it. I would completely cut the sugar out of his diet though... at least until he learns to eat healthy.

[JJemail1]

I'm no expert but I concur with everyone and add my two cents:

1. Offer whatever you've cooked and let him decide whether or not he'll eat.

2.Don't try to coax him or bribe him

3. Don't punish him for not eating (negative reinforcement which he may translate as attention)

4. Maintain a consistent, predictable schedule. (i.e. breakfast @ 8am, snack @ 10am, lunch @ 12pm, snack @ 3pm, dinner @ 5pm, snack before bed--routine is often a key element in eating issues.)

Bad habits (and taste buds) are hard to break/re-train. Supplements are OK but don't teach the child to eat and are usually high in carbs so spike the blood sugar and give the child the feeling of fullness very rapidly, which can be counter-productive.

Good luck!
Jennifer

[bluebird38]

You could also add carnation instant breakfast powder to his milk (if he'll drink milk). It has a lot of calcium, protein and other nutrients. A doctor and a nutritionist recommended that we do that with our boys who were on the small side.

I also agree with the other posters that when they get hungry enough they will eat.

bluebird38

[tenderlovingtreasure]

He is not even close to where we need to be but he is making progress. I give him a small plate with everyone else and if he chooses not to eat then it goes into the trash after 30 minutes. if he chooses not to eat he doesnt get any desserts. He is catching on and at least trying. If he tries it but dont like it (gags) I have him eat a peanut butter sandwhich and a glass of milk. We are making a little progress. He ate all three meals sunday!! I baked a cake in his honor and let him have first choice!! Everyone thanked him for eating because of the extra special treat! We aren't through by no means but the little gain helps me see the light at the end of the tunnel.