4 1/2 yr old behavior/eating habits

[babyangel_831]

I was wondering if anybody knows how to deal with a child that will not sit and eat meals, but complains that they are hungry, and I was also wondering if anybody knows how to deal with a child that will not listen or laughs when being disciplined (NOTHING IS WORKING AT ALL)? Not sure what to do!

[megmil]

I have the exact same problem at home. My son will be five in August and absolutely refuses to sit at the table and eat but then complains he's hungry. Is there anything in particular he asks for? My son just always wants sandwiches and chips and cookies and such things. We give him his time to eat and if he doesn't we throw it out and he doesn't get anything else until the next scheduled snack or meal time. Our doctor advised this and it seems to work. But my son also has trouble eating alone. We eat and when we're done we put our plates up and leave the table and that's when my son starts acting up. So unless we have things to get done before bedtime, we try to sit with him until he's done. Part of his problem is also no company. He has us there but I've noticed that When he has a friend eat over he eats way better. He will sit at the table and eat everything on his plate even if it's something he always says he doesn't like. Have one of his friends over for dinner and see what happens. Of course you can't do this ever night but you can try to find ways to make him feel like he's eating with a friend if you find this works. Also, I dont want to leave this out. My son used to drink and drink all day long. He's always thirsty so I didn't want to make him go without but the doctor said that's a problem. He would drink so much he would feel full and not eat and got to a piont where when he was hungry he was confussed and thought he was thristy. Don't give your son drinks with meals or one hour before meals. Make sure he's not drinking too much. Especially not too much milk. Milk will fill him faster than anything else. Juice is not so great either. My son drinks water and gets milk after meals if he wants it and juice or sometimes sprite on occasion. I found this works well to keep him hydrated and help him get the nutrients he needs. The doctor actually adviced this diet and it's been working for us. Good luck with your son.

[megmil]

Oh forgot to comment on the behavior problem. Our son is the same way with acting up and not listening and laughing when disciplined. I'm kind of leanient on him because we were told he probably has a behavioral disorder. THe only advice I have been given is be consistant. Consistancy doesn't even work for him. I am lost with this too. the only person he listens to is his dad. His dad is extra strict though. Sometimes I think he's too hard on our son but then I see my son behave for him and just wish I could be more like that. The only way my son will listen to me is if I pick up my phone, he thinks I'm calling his dad and instantly started behaving. I'm sorry I'm not much help here but I am lost with this too. My son is also really mean. He's been kicked out of daycares because he's so mean and no one can get him to listen. I'm hoping he'll straighten up when he starts school. Good luck to you on that and wish me good luck.