Monday, October 26, 2009

The Picky Eater Strikes Again

Ever since my son started eating food as opposed to drinking breast milk, things have been challenging around here. He is undoubtedly a picky eater. See previous post here.

He has his definite likes and dislikes when it comes to cuisine. I found myself worrying that he was getting the right vitamins and minerals because he would be opposed to eating things that even have a slight hint of green pigment in them. I was also frequently scanning the fridge for something he liked to eat.

What was I to do about this picky eater? I didn’t want to go to war with him in the high chair.

I can’t believe that the solution was so simple. I am almost embarrassed to say that I had to read it in a book. If you want to know what book it is, email me at oldschoolnewschoolmom@gmail.com, and I will tell you.

It boils down to this: eat when he eats, and eat the exact same thing that he is eating.

He eats oatmeal, I eat oatmeal. He eats chicken rice and broccoli, I do too. He will eat whatever he likes on the plate. What he doesn’t eat, take away from him. He won’t starve. He’ll have an opportunity to eat at snack time in a couple of hours.

Don’t:

1. Offer other options in the fridge if he doesn’t eat the meal. He will come to expect this and hold out until he sees something “better” presented to him.

2. Do not offer an alternative meal 30 minutes later.

3. Offer food continuously throughout the day. It's better to stick with scheduled meals and snacks.

Now mind you, I just started this routine, but it seems to be working! He is eating what I put in front of him. He did throw some salad on the floor, but I guess that comes with the territory. I’ll keep you posted on how it’s going.

11 comments:

  1. Great!! My problem is that she offers me her chicken, and I don't want it! I heard a recommendation for a good discipline/parenting book, I'll have to check it out (when I have time!!) Lyla is being picky now... :P

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  2. Yeah! He offers me his food too! I used to think it was cute, but now I realize it's because he sometimes wants to get rid of it! I guess I would say tell her "no" you don't want her chicken, but thank her. These kids and their eating habits. So frustrating. Man, that sucks that Lyla is being picky now!

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  3. Yes, I do. They are tough because what they loved yesterday they hate today. And she is impatient, so if I ask her if she wants an egg (instead of making it on a day she 'hates' them) she throws a tantrum because I have to cook it!! Lyla currently is against jars and yobaby, which she used to love and now only likes rice and pasta...and she's in that spitting it out phase too.

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  4. Oh, I stopped asking what he wants. I just put whatever in front of him. I'm trying that technique. If he eats it great, if not too bad.

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  5. O yea!! I meant to say, if you want to try green have you tried Pickles!?! I'm not sure if my kids are really weird or if all kids like it... worth a try! I hear you. Let us know how it goes!

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  6. yes I got the pickiness out of my son real quick! I did what you did. he eats whatever is offered now. if he doesn't like it, too bad. (unless its a new food, which I offer along with a food he already eats)

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  7. That is so great to hear! Today he ate brocolli, a veggie burger, an egg with brown rice and soy sauce and cheese and mixed together and so did I!

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  8. What a funny and helpful blog. Love the pictures. I will be great when the method works. Besides you will b e well nourished too.

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  9. Aw! Thanks mom. I still love vegetables thanks to you!

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  10. Oh my little banana bear! I agree with Liz, the pictures and fantastic. I'm going to bookmark this tip for when I get some pick eaters of my own :) Thanks New School Mom!

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