2 1/2 year old on day #6 of refusal of every solid food- denies pain and not sick

[muffina]

My daughter has never been a great eater- but it was your usual toddler stuff, refusing one meal and eating the next, or not eating much one day and eating a lot the next.  My problem is, 6 days ago, she suddenly started refusing every solid food (even ones she usually loves)- even after asking for it and chewing a little bit, she will spit it out and push it away and say "no thank you".  The only thing she will eat at all is applesauce.  She denies any  pain in her throat and is drinking fine.  She will say she is hungry for different foods but then not eat anything.  I called her pediatrician last week and they thought it would get better on its own so we tried to pretty much ignore this new behavior- but it is not going away and it is to the point my husband and I are concerned about her compromising her health.  We have tried a reward chart, letting her pick foods, ignoring her, positive reinforcement, and today we tried spanking
her but nothing helps.  Today she once again only had liquids.  She is healthy, has energy, and is not sick.  We will probably take her into the pediatrician tomorrow.  Has anyone had this happen with any of their kids?  She's not getting any teeth and I can't see any sores in her mouth.  My husband and I have been having marriage problems lately, and I know this affects her.  Thanks for your feedback!

[anxiousmomtobe?]

Keep the fighting away from her (and every married couple has their bad times, it is just part of life, so don't beat yourself up about it.) and try not to make a big deal out of her eating.  She is controling you.  She's a smart little cookie.  Make foods she enjoys and if she doesn't eat them act like it is no big deal.

And I am sorry you are havinb a bumpy patch.  Check out counselling.  It can really help.

[bip]

Ya I think she's not eating cause she knows you and your husband isn't getting along.  When my husband and I don't get along my kids have act a different way. I guess all kids act different ways like we do.

[jdtm]

Whenever I become very upset, my stomach does not want to deal with food.  I think your second-last sentence (My husband and I have been having marriage problems lately, and I know this affects her.) contains your answer.