eatingproblems

[holden]

Has anybody out there also problems with their Kids not wanting to eat. my Grandson is 9jears old, and still does not want to eat very much. It started when he was 2 jears old. I,am thankfull for any advice.

[boobesque]

my 13 year old brother stopped eating properly when he was 2, he had a bout of food poisoning and 2 months later nearly chocked on a sweet, these 2 incidents meant he didnt eat properly, he would only eat spaghetti bolognese at dinner or maybe chips and for the rest of the day would just snack, try not to force the child to eat, this will only make things worse as they will see it as punishment, just gently try and coax him into trying things again and he should start to come round, my brother started eating properly last year and now eats most things, if you are gentle with him and give him plenty of choice he should grow out of it and come round to eating again.

[Clanad]

One of mine is 9 years old as well and has never really been interested in food.  He does have his favorites, but we've learned not badger him about it.  He is average size and does very well in school. He is probably the most active kid in his neighborhood and his zest for life and ability to physically challenge obstacles is amazing to behold.  So... if he's healthy let him eat when he's hungry.  Our boy's sister is 3 and eats everything she can get her hands on, by the way...

[libertie]

I remember when my sons were small 5 / 6 maybe, and the youngest would hardly eat anything.  When I mentioned it our doctor he said just to ignore it and he would eat when he was hungry - which he did!  But he remained a poor eater until his early teens, mind you he was never ill, hardly ever even had a cold!  He is now an adult, fit happy and healthy.......so if your wee fellow is happy and healthy, then I would'nt worry too much about it!  Like boobesque says going on about it will most probably just make it worse!

[curly chick]

 I have a 12 year old who also is very picky with food. Although she is very slim, she too has never had any serious illnesses. Is fit and healthy and very active.I think if you make it an issue of it then thats when the problems start

[loopey]

I think its just an age thing my 9 year old is faddy and my 11 year old is just starting to try more things as long as a variety is on offer and try and encourage them to taste it,no doubt in a few years we'll be moaning that their eating everything in the house

[WendyS]

How approaching fthis rom the other perspective and encouraging the cooking, rather than the eating?  Kids like being involved and learning how to do things.  If you could help him to learn to cook simple dishes he might be more tempted to eat them, especially if his efforts receive widespread praise and appreciation from members of the family.

[Solarjunkie]

Firstly, as long as he is growing & active try not to worry.

Secondly, you can "de sensitise" him to new foods by feeding him what he'll eat willingly,but every day WITHOUT COMMENT put a little piece of a different food on his plate, eg a slice of apple or a few peas. Quite often, after a while he will try and maybe even enjoy it. It can take a week or two, but with any luck, once he is eating that particular food you can start on another one. Sorry I haven't explained that too well, hope you get the idea. It's having something else available without pressure that seems to take away the strangeness.

[holden]

Thank you for every bodys advice, but it is hard not to worry when your child does not want eat, and is underweight and looks anorexic. all his Clothes are too big and fall off him.Lucky he has plenty oenergie and is seldom sick. all the tests he had so far came out negativ, nothing wrong with him.