Son will not eat

My son is 6 years old and will not eat anything other than cakes, cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, pancakes, vienna sausages, and sometimes thin crust pepperoni pizza.  I can not get him to try any veggs or meats.  He used to eat cheese, hotdogs (all beef only) and corn dogs.  He now says that he doesn't like them anymore. He does drink chocolate milk every morning and at night before bed and sometimes during the day.  He will also eat buttered toast, and all I buy is Honey Wheat Bread.  He also takes the Juice Plus JP+ Gummies each day.

My husband and I don't know what to do cause this has been going on for about 3 yrs or a little longer.  He will go all day at school and not eat anything.  He likes junk food and I am trying to get him away from all of that.  I have a 2 year old who eats everything and anything you give him.

I talked to the pediatrician about the 6 year old and he advised to give him a plate and if he doesn't eat then he gets water until the next meal.  I tried that, and couldn't do it.  I don't want my son to go hungry.  I need some advice.  Please HELP!!

[Renee Radenberg]

His weight is just below the 25th percentile and his height is just below the 50th percentile for his age which indicates he is normal. It is frustrating when your child will only eat a small range of food. He is eating ice cream, sausages, pizza, and chocolate milk which are good protein sources. To ‘broaden his tastes’ is to engage him in the kitchen more. Children love to be a part of making food. Have him help you with preparation of food and setting the table. Hopefully this will increase his interest in other types of food. The most important aspect is to relax at meals and not to force him to eat. Let him eat what he wants no matter how limited. Suggest a daily chewable children's multi-vitamin if his eating pattern continues. Slowly introduce new foods, and if he does not want it, do not make a fuss over it. Let it go and try in a few weeks. Hoped this helped you.