Food Concerns

My six year old brother refuses to eat anything good for him.  He doesn't eat anything we cook, he says that he doesn't like the apples or oranges or any other fruit we try to give him.  He always says that he, "thinks he has had it before and doesn't like it."  I even tryed to give him a peice of chocolat fudge the other night, and he refused to put it in his mouth with the same excuse as always.  "I think I've had it before."  I'm really starting to get worried and at the same time, extremely aggrivated! How can I get him to eat real food?  

[Renee Radenberg]

The weight and height seems to be very high for a six year old unless he is a very big boy. Children can become very picky eaters and only eat a few foods. Sometimes engaging him in the kitchen more may increase his interest in food. Children love to be a part of making food. Have her help with preparation of food, and setting the table. The most important thing is to RELAX at meals and not pressure them. You do not want mealtimes to be a battle of the wits between the child and the parents. Remember meals need to be joyous for parents and the child. If he will not eat a certain food, do not make a fuss over it. Give him some other food alternatives. Then let it go and enjoy the meal. Lead by example. Slowly introduce new foods, and if he does not want it, do not make a fuss over it. Sometimes it takes 5-9 times to introduce a food that they will accept, however, if they do not want it and let it go. Try again in a few months. Hope this helped you.