Eighther over eating or refusing to eat

Why is it that my son will refuse to eat at times, over eat , or hold food in his mouth refusing to swallow????

[April2]

It sounds like a control issue to me. He's pushing your buttons. The more you react, the more he will do it. Eating should not be a battle of wills. Simply make his lunch or snack or whatever. Put it in front of him. Sit down and eat with him. Talk, keep things light. Ignore if he won't eat or is holding his food in his mouth. If he eats everything and wants more, just say "Wow, you must have been hungry!" And give him a little more. If he refuses to eat, simply say, "I guess you're not hungry right now. That's ok, maybe later." And then let him leave the table. The most important thing here is to stay calm and not make a big deal over his eating style. He won't starve if he goes without one meal. It's important to try and teach good eating habits now while he's still young. Don't make a big deal over it and he will soon learn to do the same.

[resinedtolife]

i agree with April2 but i need to ask if when he refuses to eat at meal times does he ask for something to eat later and if so do you give it to him. If the answer is yes then it definitely sounds to me like a control issue and i feel you need to reverse this trend and let him see that you cannot be controlled. If he refuses to eat then simply inform him that that is ok but he will not be getting anything until the next mealtime and stick to your guns. It won't be easy but it will work in time

[BrittanyT]

IT HAS ALREADY BEEN TRIED. HE DOES NOT GET ANYTHING ELSE UNTIL THE NEXT MEAL AND AT TIMES STILL DOESN'T EAT!!!!!!