Problem Eating

My child is 8 and half year old. He hates to eat most of the food especially the rice and meat which usually have it in the lunch. He prefers only chicken nuggets, french fries, bread, cheese, milk, cereal, pancake, cuicumber, and apple. This is excatly what is he is eating. I went with him to the doctor before four years as this starts with him from age of two years, the doctor told me that he will eat when he gets older. But still he does not like to see the meat food. I wish he colud just bite the meat one day. I do not know how to handel this and I am afraid this affects his younget sisters.

[Renee Radenberg]

His weight is on the 50th percentile and his height is on the 25th percentile for his age which indicates that he is normal for his age. Whatever he is eating, it is keeping his weight within a good range. Some children do not 'out grow' this picky eating until they are in their teens. It can be frustrating. Sometimes engaging him in the kitchen more may increase his interest in food. Children love to be a part of making food. Have him help with preparation of food, and setting the table. The most important thing is to RELAX at meals and not pressure him. You do not want mealtimes to be a battle of the wits between your child and you. Remember meals need to be joyous. If he will not eat a certain food, do not make a fuss over it. Give him some other food alternatives or foods he likes. Then let it go and enjoy the meal. 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.

[Suad]

I was wondoring about his ability to eat meat. He refused to eat any kind of meat. So how I can let him eat meat as it is important for his age.

[Renee Radenberg]

You stated he eats chicken nuggets, which is chicken meat. If chicken is the only meat he will eat for now, than give him chicken. He can get other protein source foods from dairy products, such as, milk, cheeses, yogurt, puddings, and ice cream; and vegetarian combinations, such as rice & beans, pasta & beans, cheese & pasta.