not eaten

My son will be 3 in october, he use to eat regular gerber stages food, formula and then he ate table food and whole milk and only apple juice. I am a mother of four we all sit at the table and when he know he has to sit he cries he doesnt eat only bananas, cookies, nuggets, or chicken wings. No mash potatoes, nothing else. We try to have him try new things, when we eat he is also eager to touch but not eat, he watches us eat and doesnt want his food. I am concerned, he gains weight, and he is very smart, he doesnt talk yet but he will show you.  what shall I do, it was not this hard with my other two children and my youger one is eaten more than him.

[Renee Radenberg]

He is above normal height and normal weight for his age. Have him help you with meals, such as set the table, or clear the table, or help prepare the food. This may get him interested in food and hopefully in trying new foods. I suggest you give him nutrient dense drinks, such as, Pedisure or milkshakes instead of milk. Milkshakes are a very good snack and children love to be a part of making them. All it takes is milk or soymilk, ice cream and some banana (any fruit). Whip it up in a blender and you have a drink packed with protein and calories (if used regular dairy products). Mealtimes can be a battlefield when children do not have an interest to eating or eat very little. It becomes the battle of the wits between the child and the parents. Remember meals need to be joyous for you and your child. Introduce a new food every few months, if he will not eat it do not make a fuss over it. Let it go and enjoy your meal.