L.Z. asks from Midland, TX on April 29, 2008
Help-my 8 Year Old Is Very Picky About Her Food.
I have an 8 year old that is very picky about food. She either wants something different from what i've made and if not, she won't eat. I can't get her to eat veggies or healthy food. It all started one day that we were at my in laws house, and she almost vomited, ever since then, she is always saying that if she tries something new she's going to throw up. I've tried telling her to try something first, before saying she doesn't like it, I've tried the mother and daughter cook day, where we make somthing together, i've tried to hide the veggies in the food, I've tried the "you can't have the sweets until you eat your food first", even at birthday party's she is picky. She doesn't like hamburgers, pizza, hotdogs, things you would think kids like at her age? She can eat the same thing every week. The things she does eat are; bean burritos w/cheese, cheese quesadilla, peanut butter sandwiches, boiled eggs, Vienna sausages (in the can) cheesesticks, cereal and she loves chicken. I did take her to a Nutritionist and they told me that this can be a concern for Anorexia. What can I do? Please help?
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Y.P. answers from Austin on April 30, 2008
Hello, I have a very picky 8 y.o. also, and am a full time, single mom that also works full time (I also have a 6 y.o. that eats 'better' but tends to be picky because his brother is, sometimes). First, I'd like to say he will eat raw carrot and raw broccoli (just the 'leaves') and apple. So he gets at least one of those items at (almost) every meal. Second, I was a very picky eater, so I sympathize. I 'had' to eat what was on my plate, and think I suffered for it, although have definitely expanded my menu since I was a child. I want him to try new things, but try not to make too big of a deal of it. He will as he grows older. What he'll eat now is so limited, at least I don't have to get too creative with the little time I have for meals! Hah. We do lots of chicken, ramen and those limited veggies and one fruit. He's healthy, smart and active. Hope this at least lets you know you are not alone.
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C.P. answers from Houston on April 30, 2008
Try buying frozen or fresh veggies and blend them up and cook them inside other foods or sauces that you put on things.Also flax seed ground up is good for every one you can sprinkle 1 tsp on foods as you cook them. It is relly great for the digestive track.
Good luck!
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A.S. answers from Austin on April 30, 2008
I really dont think that this is a concern for anorexia at all! I have a 7 year old daughter that is the same way. She detests vegetables and isnt too keen on the normal stuff that kids like but she will eat other things like fish or something that kids wouldnt normally like. She doesnt have a huge list of foods that she likes to eat but she does like some things. I just make dinner and offer that to the kids (I have a 5 year old son that is the same way) and if they eat great-if they dont, they dont. I know that might sound mean, but trust me, they dont starve. When kids are hungry they will eat. Good luck, and I wouldnt worry too much, this is probably just a phase that will pass. If you think back there were probably tons of foods that didnt appeal to you as a child that you can appreciate now.
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S.O. answers from Houston on May 01, 2008
Having had a picky eater because of a bad experience at her grandma's house..............grew up to be a really healthy eater. I had a time she was about 5 or 6 and my mil started keeping her some along with other grandkids and her daughter which is only a few years older than the grandkids anyway I was a stay at home mom till she was 5. So I never had a problem with her eating what I fixed. I guess being around the other kids who were picky and the parents and grandparents telling them lies that onions are not in the food and finding them she developed a dis trust. How I got through was never compromise what you've cooked already. I read in Parents mag that if you want kids who will grow up and try all kinds of luisine at least make them take a few bites of everything before they leave the table. Now grant it I know from being a kid that there are certain foods that we can't stomach. Lol my third grade teacher felt horrible when she told me to eat my spinach and I told her I can't I like spinach but this is mustard greens and I don't like mustard greens, anyway she wouldnt let me go back to class till I ate when she came back to get me I had thrown up and the lunch personel were cleaning me and my mess up and she my teacher felt horrible, anyway sorry about chasing that rabbit my point is I guess you'll know what foods to pass up. About my daughter it took a couple of years for her not to fuss about food and now she cooks and eats all the healthy stuff. What I'm saying is I think that your daughter will return to her original roots after she gets over this trauma. hang in there.
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C.V. answers from San Antonio on April 29, 2008
My 9 year old does this to me too. One day he vomited (I suspect a stomach virus) right after eating mixed vegetables. After that, he was convinced that vegetables (especially lima beans) would make him vomit & he refused to eat them. Same thing about a week ago after he ate too much pizza at school.
My solution has been to limit his access to junk-food as much as possible. I try not to have anything unhealthy in the house because my son will raid the pantry & the fridge when I'm not looking. I try to limit his after school snack to one cheese stick or one orange, etc. & I try to have supper on the table within a half-hour after we get home. I also discovered that I have to limit sweet drinks as well. No Gatorade before supper, only water.
You would be surprised how delicious good food starts to smell when you are really, truly hungry.
It has been an ongoing battle, especially since I think my hubby must be the junk food king, but it's getting easier, and easier.
I also tried the no sweets until you eat your good food. Bad idea. He would be "full" after a small plate of food & then wipe out half a chocolate cake. Hmmm.
On the bright side, as a single mom, you don't have to worry about a spouse sabotaging your efforts! Good luck to you.
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C.R. answers from Killeen on May 06, 2008
hi my name is C., let her eat the things that she like, us say that she's not and anorexia, our trust is in the lord.speark the work over her life MARK:11:22-24 have faith in God . you shall have whatsoever YOU say read MARK11:22-24 and Isay that you daughter is healthy and proserous,and you and your daughter shall have good success,and i say this over you and your daughter life you are bless.
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D.L. answers from McAllen on April 30, 2008
sounds like your little lady is saying hey mom i like these food now, and guess what she will change her mind in a while. i have a very picky eater. hes's now 20 and goes to university, one day eats home the next at girls friends house. and i think i have it down to what he eats and he changes his mind. he is over 6 ft tall and has a waiste of29. tall and skinny. but he eat a lot.when he was younger i daid you got to take one bite if you do not like it spit it out. in the garbage can. he did. he loves veggies and spicy things, but is not overly found of meat or milk never has been, let your child be her self, unless she is over weight, or very under weight ignor it. and the vomiting thing put a bowl on the tabke next to her and say if need be vomit. ignor it. will soon go away. love a sister with6 kids and 14 grandkids with all kinds of crazy food ideas.
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V.C. answers from Killeen on April 29, 2008
Hi L., i was wondering, how long ago did this start? Have you tried talking to her pediatrician about this? If she is vomiting, there may be something else wrong with her, and maybe she is afraid to eat, for fear that it will make her sick. I would definetely start with her doctor, and see what he/she has to say.
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C.P. answers from Houston on April 30, 2008
Try buying frozen or fresh veggies and blend them up and cook them inside other foods or sauces that you put on things.Also flax seed ground up is good for every one you can sprinkle 1 tsp on foods as you cook them. It is relly great for the digestive track.
Good luck!
1 mom found this helpful
C.A. answers from Houston on April 30, 2008
I read one of the responses where you sit down and write what she does like to eat.. I think it's a good idea.. I have 2 kids, and while I love anything, my husband hates veggies, and the kids, although not terribly picky, do not like everything I put on their plate... I always make sure there are 2 things my boys like, and if there is one thing they don't like, at least stick their finger in it to taste.. that won't be as big as a spoonful, and it will get them tasting it. I also agree with others not to make a big deal out of it.. because it will only stress out you and her.. Over time, I am not bothered if they don't like something.. they will tell me if they don't like it, so next time I'll know. By the way, I would definitely get a second opinion on the anexoria thing.. There are tons of kids who are picky.. And your daughter might be scared about throwing up again.. maybe that's why she's scared to try something new.. Good luck to you!!
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Y.P. answers from Austin on April 30, 2008
Hello, I have a very picky 8 y.o. also, and am a full time, single mom that also works full time (I also have a 6 y.o. that eats 'better' but tends to be picky because his brother is, sometimes). First, I'd like to say he will eat raw carrot and raw broccoli (just the 'leaves') and apple. So he gets at least one of those items at (almost) every meal. Second, I was a very picky eater, so I sympathize. I 'had' to eat what was on my plate, and think I suffered for it, although have definitely expanded my menu since I was a child. I want him to try new things, but try not to make too big of a deal of it. He will as he grows older. What he'll eat now is so limited, at least I don't have to get too creative with the little time I have for meals! Hah. We do lots of chicken, ramen and those limited veggies and one fruit. He's healthy, smart and active. Hope this at least lets you know you are not alone.
1 mom found this helpful
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