picky eater out of control

[jade527]

I have a 5 year old son who's extremely difficult to feed.  This behavior has been going on for years and i have just waited and waited with no change, as a matter of fact, it's just getting worse.  He only eats vienna sausages, spam, mashed potatoes, white rice, plain bread, oatmeal and french fries and nuggets from fast food places.  He refuses to try new foods and now i believe he's getting bored from these and also refuses them sometimes.  I dont know what to do.  His overall health is okay but he's underweight for his age (about 30 pounds).  The fact that doctors say that this is "normal" behavior for some kids does not comfort me at all. Im afraid that eventually he will get sick. Im already dealing with a 11 year old with ADHD, so winning this "little" battle, will help everyone in the family.

[Renee Radenberg]

Pedisure is good too; however, at times I tend not to suggest it due to the cost of it. Milkshakes give appropriately the same amount of nutrients and cheaper. Either one is beneficial for extra calories, protein, vitamins and minerals.

[ROXIEB]

Does he drink milk? What I have done with my son (who sounds A LOT like yours) is I supplement him with Pediasure. He didn't grow for 6 months  before I started the Pediasure. After that he shot up like a rocket and gained a ton of weight. He is now in the 60th percentile for height and weight. When I started the Pediasure he was in the 7th.

[Renee Radenberg]

Some children do not out 'grow' picky eater phase until they are in their teens or older. 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. Help him make milkshakes (ice cream, fresh fruit or frozen fruit, milk) or yogurt smoothies (yogurt, fresh fruit, and frozen fruit) and then he will have additional calories, protein, and vitamins and minerals. The most important thing is to relax. It becomes the battle of the wits between the child and the parents. Let him eat what he wants. Slowly introduce new foods, and if he does not want it, do not make a fuss over it. Let it go and enjoy the meal.