Help - my toddler hardly eats :-( | ExpatWoman.com
 

Help - my toddler hardly eats :-(

557
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 23:39
Another trick - the amount your child should eat on every meal is not bigger than the size of his own fist - which is actually the size of his stomach. Anything he can eat more than that is a bonus.
557
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 23:37
A friend of mine taught me a trick that worked with my twins. Instead of filling a plate with food and trying to feed him, do this: 1- let's say you're offering honey glazed baby carrots, steamed broccoli and grilled chicken breast. Cut everything in bite size pieces. No cutlery. 2-Place an empty (plastic) plate in front of him. Stay nearby but not actually in front of him. 3- Every now and then, walk by and place ONE piece on his plate - then walk away. Do not say a word. 4- Repeat :) Let me know what happens :) Worked for me! Good luck
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 22:35
Firstly - look at everything he's having over the course of a day. Make a note and look back on times, patterns , quantities and substance. You may find it reassuring (as in he's actually eating quite a bit, but in snack form) and then you can make adjustments. Eating in front of the telly is, imo, a huge no-no - even for adults. We get distracted by the images, don't chew or savour our food properly, eat too quickly, digest badly (due to bad posture) and get none of the social interaction mealtimes should be about. If this is something you're not happy about, change it. Try not to let your stress overflow (hence making notes for reassurance first) because teh children do pick up on that. Make it relaxed, eat with your son as much/ often as you can and if he chucks something on the ground, pick it up and put it back on his plate - once. Second time it goes on the floor, put it back on his place and move the plate away. He can then have the pleasure of watching you eat the rest of your food and may even decide that eating's much more fun! Try not to make a fuss if they don't like something and don't force them to eat it. When DD decides she doesn't like something on her plate she'll say "mummy, I don't want peas" and I reply "that's ok, don't eat them then. Just keep them on your plate and eat your rice". Choose their meals wisely to combine stuff you know they'll like with the occasional challenge or new thing - they may surprise themselves... and us! Good luck. Don't stress. He won't waste away!
315
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 22:34
16 month is a bit early for this behavior , but it is ok as long as you find him a way to eat. one way that worked with my boy is that i prepare breakfast for both of us in his small colorful dishes and i sit with him at his level, i eat with him in his way. try to know what he likes the most and fake other food the same. my boy loves French fries, i cut carrots, potatoes, marrow ... such vegetables in the form of french fries and i cook them, that worked too. there is one crazy idea that always work with my boy... even if it looked funny and needs alot of temper but it worked: i cut his food into pieces and pretend that we are eating stuff that he likes.. each bite is a different thing: sometimes it is a cat, plane, book, tv, barney etc ... he laughs that mom doesn't know the name of the food and he eats it... wish i did help ... i suffered alot with that ... try and if you need more ideas m ready :) best of luck
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 22:26
Been there! DD is now 2.5 years and it's still not easy but as I'm currently very pregnant ive eased up on how much she eats and give her the foods she likes - yes they include fish fingers and chicken nuggets but I make them at home and at least I know shes not eating rubbish plus she loves fruit so she gets lots of that during the day. I know how stressful it can be but I would advise you to make your life easier and go with the flow - everyone tells me they don't starve themselves so take heart. Also ive found out battles over food are a very common concern for most parents. It passes eventually.
121
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 22:16
Hi. DS is 16 months and Im having real trouble with his food intake. Its so disheartening to cook something for him only for it to be thrown on the floor or met with tightly pursed lips! I think is all behavioural, not that he doesnt like the food, cos he is better generally in other environments other than home. What worries me is some days he hardly eats anything. It surely cant be normal for them to show no signs of hunger for the whole day?? I dont want to rely on TV but that does generally work. Im so unsure, when hes having a paddy in the highchair, do I take him out straight away or leav the food on the tray hoping he'll have some later? Any advice would b highly appreciated as this is realy stressing me out.
 
 

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