Lunch and snack not eaten at nursery | ExpatWoman.com
 

Lunch and snack not eaten at nursery

50
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 22:10

My ds is a pain when it comes to feeding times - it is always bribery to get him eating any meal. As a result, he is coming home from nursery without eating any snack or lunch.

He is only just three years old and I worry how he has the energy to last from 7 until 2 with only breakfast and sometimes not even any juice or water (his water bottle is pretty much as full as in the morning).

I have approached his teacher and the teaching asst but I feel i am being fobbed off with a situation they don't want to deal with - they say he eats just as much as other children do but is too excited/ busy with interaction with other children.

I have tried stickers, charts, and bribery to get him to eat it at school. I even make him eat it on the way home at home where possible.

What can I do? I have given him choice, no choice,big, small portions and tried fancy and plain foods!

Other mums also say they have some good and dsome bad days - but honestly he only ever eats one sixth of what I give him on a good day.

Help and advice please!

2782
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 19:43
I would push it with them again, he might not "starve to death" but he might well be hungry/thirsty and not really at a level of being able to/wanting to communicate that to others. Maybe get a Drs note explaining he is to be offered food several times a day, not just once. Give the staff a break by packing things you know he is more likely to want to eat.
722
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 15:19
Hi - have you checked whether the staff have refilled his bottle? I always get told if the bottle has been refilled...i also know of one place that gets them to drink lots of water so that meal times are shorter because kids are not hungry! also how long has this been going for - is it a phase or has it been a while?
1236
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 14:09
Call me old fashioned but I would have thought that part of the duty of nursery staff is to ensure that children in their care are fed and watered? Does the nursery provide snacks and drinks? Many moons ago when my children were tiny, they attended playgroup and we mums took turns being "on duty" with the staff. There was a dedicated snack time when children had fruit and a savoury biscuit with cheese or the like and a drink of milk or juice. We ensured that each child had a drink at least and nibbled something before or after the active playtime on equipment. The playgroup was only on for 3 hours but snack time was deemed important way back then. :)
50
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 21:22
Thanks for the replies - taken on board what you have said. Will def mention the water thing - he is def grumpy and tired since going full time and the lack of water won't help him. Just feel like he looks like he has lost a little weight this week. - ur right, no child will starve themselves! Thank you again.
50
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 21:22
Thanks for the replies - taken on board what you have said. Will def mention the water thing - he is def grumpy and tired since going full time and the lack of water won't help him. Just feel like he looks like he has lost a little weight this week. - ur right, no child will starve themselves! Thank you again.
206
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 21:16
Homesickk, I wouldn't bother as much with the food as with liquids. LO may be so preoccupied at nursery that he just doesnt take time to eat with noise/others around?  Sounds normal to me.  As the teacher said, he eats like others. If he feels hunger,  he probably takes something, maybe less than home. I always have difficulties to believe that children would starve themselves to death,  just because they dont like whats on the table. If breakfast was big,  he may not get to this point of hunger before just leaving the nursery.  If he gets hungry his minimum will be covered with whatever is in the box. But children do get dehydrated,  I dont think it would be okay with me personally if my DS water bottle is untouched at the end of the day.  Can happen but it woud make me immediately go to teacher to ask advice.  Maybe they offer him alternative drinks (can he go to water dispenser at nursery?  Do they have cups with juice available to all in eating corner?  Did he eat or were there alternative "watery fruits" available etc) I'd constantly give untouched water bottle feedback to teacher until they learn your DS may need reminding,  assistance to keep hydrated.  Just show them the full bottle and express your concern.
61
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 20:13
Hi, how old is your DS and what is he eating? What is he getting for breakfast? Is he hungry when he gets home? Our DS is 2 years old and I feel he doesn't eat a lot at all. He is willing to try everything, but just eats very small portions, even of the stuff he really likes. If he's full, he would leave even a piece of cake or a cookie. I would however insist that he at least drinks a juice at nursery, that way he gets some fluids and some energy. I remember an episode of one of these educational reality tv shows were a doctor said that some children just indeed need very little food. Signs to look for is their level of activity (which seems fine with our DS) and whether they refuse certain types of food (might indicate allergies). I think as long as he is a happy energetic chappy and gets enough fluids and what he is eating is (mostly) healthy and is growing and developing well , there is little need to worry
 
 

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