Healthy Weight Gain For Child

[jd_1984]

I have already done a bit of research but any extra tips would be appreciated;

Our 7 year old has become a very fussy eater. He has, inexplicably, decided he doesn't like certain foods that up until this point he has enjoyed.

He becomes very distracted at meal times and despite trying several techniques to get him eating - he is proving to be very stubborn and meal times usually end up with a row!

He is underweight and could do with putting a few pounds on. I am certain psychological thing for him, perhaps we as the parents need to educate ourselves rather than losing our patience....

[ummmm]

Don't argue about it.

Stick to certain rules like having to sit at the table until everyone is finished. If he doesn't eat his dinner just take it away and let him have a sandwich.

It's not often you see adults who don't eat things from most food groups.

[jd_1984]

We will try not to argue....!

Sometimes his refusal to eat certain foods is based on their texture rather than the taste. He has phases of being very adventurous (when he is in the mood) but the norm is "don't like that" "don't want that" "I'm full" etc etc

[Sqad]

Seems like normal behavior to me.

[Islay]

As a child I would only eat if it had tommy sauce on it!

One day my mother threw her toys out of the pram and refused to allow me my treasured tommy sauce! 6 months of pure hell followed where I would not eat, she served me dinner for breakfast, I fed my dinner to the dogs and brothers!

I grew out of it!! Your child will too

[jd_1984]

I am sure its normal, just looking for tips as we navigate this awkward phase!

[Sqad]

Tip 1)

If he doesn't eat it.........then leave it in front of him.

Tip2) If he hasn't eaten it then present it at the next meal.

[Islay]

Don't fuss the more you fuss the more he will realise that he is getting a reaction. Try and hide foods in other foods ie puree veggies or chopped up and mixed in with sauces.

[Mamyalynne]

Main tips, keep calm, present the food and if he complains then say 'That's a shame love, see if you want it later'.

Cover the plate and carry on with your meal.


Does he show any interest in cooking at all?

[Elina]

Hi jd, make sure your son has absolutely no snacks offered at all inbetween family meal times.

[dieseldick]

try him on some full fat milk shakes ? im sure your kid will eventually grow out of it.

[ummmm]

What does he like?

[Samuraisan]

I agree with Elina. Absolutely no snacks or alternatives. But no nagging or commotion, just a "shame dear, oh well never mind" and look away and talk to someone else. He will stop when he finds he's not getting any reaction.

[cassa333]

Lhough he won't starve to death or anything like that not eating enough consistently can have a detrimental effect on learning. If you are really worried about his health you could give him a children's multi vitamin.

My nephew has a sensory input syndrome and won't eat anything that touches, that anyone else has touched, isn't exactly the same brand as he is used to and lots of other little quirks. At my mums, which he has been visiting since birth, he eats chips and hard boiled eggs and has just started eating Pizza (cheese onl. He is 8 and the skinniest little thing you will see but he is also full of energy (and a daily vitamin tablet lol).

1. No snacks between meals
2. No fuss at meal times. This includes sitting still and not fidgeting and not disrupting the meal for everyone else.
3. No getting up from the table until everyone has finished
4. Helping set and clear the table.
5. If he doesn't eat what is on his plate then he doesn't have to but he gets no pudding, treats or snacks in its place (be strong and don't give in).
6. If he says he doesn't like something find out why. Then next time offer him something that has a similar taste, texture, colour or whatever it was he didn't like and see how he goes. It could be a fad or he may be starting to acquire his own tastes.
7. Don't pander to his likes and wants. He gets the same as everyone else but occasionally serve everyone something you know he likes. If budget or time allows each member of the household gets a choice now and then? That way he see some that everyone gets a turn and he is not being treated differently.

8. Whatever you do, STICK to it. He, like all children, need consistency and the only place they get that from is you (and school obviously lol)