Getting kids to eat (4 posts)

  • Profile picture of Liz T. Liz T. said 2 years, 1 month ago:

    When it comes to feeding my two grandsons – ages 4 and almost 2 – when they come to spend time with me, I struggle to find healthy foods both boys will eat. The oldest one eats pretty much everything…he just takes an hour and a half to do it. The younger one is pickier and if he doesn’t like it, it’s just going to come rolling back out. Peanut butter and jelly is a given. The older one loves grilled cheese, the younger one spits it out. Yogurt works for everyone and most vegetables are a hit with both. Meat is hit or miss. How in the world do you plan a balance meal with two very different eaters? Any tips?

    #
  • Profile picture of Heather McEndree Heather McEndree said 2 years ago:

    My 4 year-old could take hours to eat… until we started a 30-minute rule at meal times: he needs to eat his fill in 30 minutes, then the plate goes away. He adjusted very quickly to eating in a more timely fashion. The picky 2-year-old is also par for course. The key is to keep offering the foods you want him to eat (even if he only takes one bite) and only offer one back up that you know he will eat and is healthy/nutritious for him. The more back-ups you offer, the less likely he will eat the other foods (since he will learn that you will always give him what he wants). I hope this helps!

    #
  • Profile picture of Liz T. Liz T. said 2 years ago:

    What a great idea, Heather! Thanks. I’m going to try it. I’ve never seen anyone sit as long as this child and never take a bite.

    #
  • Profile picture of Crystal Garcia Crystal Garcia said 2 months, 1 week ago:

    Liz,
    That is a completely ridiculous way to treat a child and I hope you didn’t do this to your grandchildren. Remember, they are children, not animals. Nutritionists will inform you that a child needs to be offered a variety of foods at each meal. This does not mean that you have to be a short order cook. They either eat what is there or they do not, but they do need a variety. Also, it takes a child 20 times to try a certain food before they decide they like it or not. The 2 year old is still trying to figure out what he likes. Also, a 30 minute rule is okay. I personally think it is disrespecting your child. How would you like to go to a restaurant and have a server take your plate away after 30 minutes? However, children’s appetites change from day to day and if they are not eating what you put out within the 30 minutes, most likely the portion sizes are too large for the child.

    #