trick my toddler

[chellshock]

My 4 yr. old son does not eat healthy, he only likes peas for veggies and apples for fruit as long as he has caramel dipping sauce that is. He does not like meat unless it is bbq wings. He is average as far as his weight and height goes but I know he needs more nutrician. I give him a multivitamin daily. What else can I do?

[borninquisitive]

I side with star queen on this. While I know some parent's don't like taking this approach, I think out of necessity...one MUST and for the child's sake.
One thing I have come to truly believe, is that good health with the next generation begins at conception and certainly doesn't end there. As I look at it, the foods I feed my children, in regards to health, is their foundation and structure. Health-wise: do you want your child to have a weakened foundation/structure, for which they may suffer later on?

That said, I have 4 kids (3-16). None are picky. I think that is due in part to my husband and my not being picky (or at least, not ever expressing it). I've also have always kept in our kitchen a wide variety of nutritious snacks. As well, I have always cooked up many different types of food. So, they have been exposed to diverse, good meals.

I have noticed, particularly with my youngest two (boys-ages 5 and 3) that their dinner preferences change, in that for a period-they may like primarily meat and veggies, or veggies and rice/potatoes. I don't stress over this much, as they will eat a portion of the least favorite. As well, I know they eat well all other times.

That said, I do not deny them goodies (and even they are not empty calories) on occasion but not until I am satisfied that they have eaten well. They know I'm this way, too. ;-D

I followed in my mother's foot-steps. Her approach with us (her children) worked for her and us...and it's working well for my children and me.

You've got to try the best you can, for your child's sake. Hopefully, this too will be past onto your future grand-children (and so forth) as well. It begins with you.

Best!

[Renee Radenberg]

Would you please give me your son's height and weight (in kg or lbs.) to assess your son's nutritional status. Thank you.

[jd1419]

Peas for a veggie are great--but you do need variety--my boys are totally different in eating--one child is picky the other will eat anything.  I do make meals once in awhile specifically for them--such as a night with mac & cheese and hot dogs--but then I will add coleslaw--boys love this...also my boys will eat green beans and corn--they love salad with cuccumbers and crutons--with of course some ranch dressing--low fat--it is hit or miss with tomatoes....for fruit try grapes--if he likes cold thingsput the grapes in the freezer for a while they are yummy this way--no  dip needed.  Another favorite for my boys string cheese and yogurt...and yes I do fall into the trap of where they only want to eat popsicles and cookies--but you need to limit it---if you have no will power to say no (some Parents don't) then keep that stuff out of the house.....find things he likes and try to make one item that you know he will eat at every meal--as long as it goes along with what you are cooking.  And in no means am I saying to be come short order cook--like cooking something for just him--just use an item in the overall meal.  Good Luck

[star queen]

Okay, tough love here.  Who is in the parent?  You need to be the parent when it comes to food. So far, you are being controlled by your son.  Step up and do the parenting role. You plan out the meals and serve them.  You select the food that is in the house to eat, so if you don't want him eating junk, then don't buy it.  Stock the house with healthy foods and snacks for him to chose from. Believe me if he is hungry he will eat what is there.  He may try a few tantrums, but he will give in shortly.  Missing a few meals won't hurt him in the long run, but all that sugar will.  If he doesn't like or won't eat red meat, there are other proteins you can select from other than wings.  He probably likes it because BBQ sauce is loaded with sugar.  Make McDonalds a treat instead of a lifestyle.  Also exit the chips, soda, candy, cookies etc. until he is eating good foods, then he can have some chips, etc. only once in a while. Keep up the vitamins. Being a parent can be tough when you are looking at that little face crying because he is hungry and going without food for a day.  Guilt will eat you up, but in the long run doing this now will be easier than waiting until he is older to do this.  You can turn this around you just need to be the parent and that's a tough, thankless job.  good luck