How to Get My Daughter to Eat

Updated on February 25, 2008
C.T. asks from Cheltenham, MD
55 answers

I have a three-year old who will be turning four in a few months. She does not like to eat -- food just doesn't interest her most of the time. We do everything to encourage her to eat. Every now and then she'll eat her favorite food but that's not often. Sometimes she'll ask for something and when we give it to her, she won't eat it. We've taken her to the doctor and have been told she'll eat when she's hungry or that even though she's underweight, she's still healthy. I'm concerned because she's so small and will be going to school in the fall. She drinks Pediasure constantly throughout the day which supposedly gives her the nurtrients she needs. However, I don't think that's enough. What to do???

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J.R.

answers from Washington DC on

I also have a 3 year old who doesn't like to eat. He'll be 4 in March and food is just the last thing on his mind. (I have a feeling a few years from now I will be wishing for these days....) I keep "grazing" type snacks in the house all the time - grapes, apples, crackers, pretzels, carrot sticks, etc. so that way when he is hungry, he can munch on those. I know it isn't ideal, but at least he's eating healthy things.

I am in the same boat with the "when he's hungry, he'll eat" because every once in awhile he eats like he's never eaten before (not frequently - about twice a month max). He's a healthy kid - he gets vitamins daily and I keep junk to a bare minimum. I remind him that if he wants a few chips, he has to have some dinner first.

Remember, kids don't need a lot to eat - if you visit the USDA page, a serving of anything for them is tiny...a half a slice of bread, a few pieces of apple, etc. Reading over that always helps me feel better!

Hang in there, she'll eventually enjoy eating!

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L.L.

answers from Washington DC on

C. -

I too have a picky eater but we seem to have overcome a few problems recently, and here's how. First, I have begun to make my daughter a part of the process of eating. She sets the table (which includes picking out her own princess plate, cup and fork) and gets to pick one thing to go on each person's plate. Second, we have started "alot of things." I offer to her, for each meal, a veriety of food all in small amounts. For example for dinner she may have 1/2 of a hamburger, 2 teaspoons of peas, few slices of bananna, small handful of peanuts, a baby carrot or two, and a little bit of ranch to dip them in. Before I knew it she was eating almost everything on her plate. Plus, I know she's getting a veriety of nutrients. It sounds like a lot of work but the next day she'll have the other half of the hamburger etc. For breakfast we have yogurt parfeits. I'll put a few teaspoonfuls of yogurt on a plate with a few different cereals to sprinkle on top. I'll add some fruit slices. She gobbles it up! Experiment with your child. It might simply be that eating is not a fun experience for her. At her age all she wants to do is have fun. Good luck!
L.

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S.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi C.. I have 2 boys ages 3 and 5. We had the same problem with my oldest. It sounds as though she is a very active little girl.

Got places to go, things to do, things to see and things to learn. Which most 3 year olds are.

Try find out what she does like (healthy foods). Cereals (even dry cereal) Toast with cinnamon and sugar (healthy) fruits and snacks(graham crackers) and stick with those until she's ready to try some other things.

Three-year olds taste buds and gag reflex are still developing at this time. Sometimes its about taste, texture and food combinations that makes them sometimes become quite finicky about eating food.

Another healthy alternative is juicing or healthy juices like V8 Fusion that have fruits and vegetable juice in them. If she loves to drink Pediasure have her drink her nutrition. Juicing/juices and mixing your own smoothies in a blender willow allow you to add what you would know are healthy for her and put in things she would not normally eat by itself and she hopefully will love the taste too. You can even add a children's multi vitamin to her juice or smoothie to give her added nutrition.

Hope this helps.

S. Hines

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B.S.

answers from Dover on

I think I'd find another DR.
Until you find a Dr. that really listens to a mother's concerns, try taking her to the grocery store with you. Stop in front of the fruits and tell her she can pick out what she wants.
Let her help you cook
Do your other children eat , ask them to help you
good luck
B.

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M.P.

answers from Washington DC on

C. -
I can tell you that I have seen the same thing in a few other children. I think if she is willing to drink the pediasure for nutrition, then perhaps she would be more open to shakes and smoothies for food. This is just a thought - but she may not have interest in chewing up the food.
The best form of advice I ever received was to "Choose Your Battles". So I can understand your need to question.....
Nutrition is the most important key though and Kudos to you for focusing on that. The body is so complex that every food we eat has a cause and effect. We all know that when food enters the body it is broken down into molecules. Those molecules are building blocks of your illness or health. Everything you consume is realted to your overall wellness. Understanding the fundamentals if nutrition is critical to acheive optimal health and growth.
Not so long ago, I began a cleansing program that was a meal replacement program with shakes. The products contain a host of organic ingredients and they are packed with essential enzymes, vitamins, minerals, nutrients.
What I loved about these products was that I could replace a meal with a shake. The products can be for both adults and children.
I loved that I can give my boys shakes to help with sports and help build lean muscle. I can add fruit and green to their shakes and they love having it for breakfast or after a game.
My husband also decided to a 9 day cleanse- he melted off 10 lbs. I tried the 30 day to melt off 15 lbs, I have lost 12" off my body overall so far. (WE are on the cleanse program not to be confused with the kids products.)
It is pretty amazing for us since we struggled with stubborn fat. (Might I add that we did tons of supplements and ate Organic foods before we tried these products.)

So I figured you might want to know about the childrens product line since you are inquiring into products with nutrition and your daughter might be more willing to drinks a healthy shake then eat a "meal".
We love the products, the ingredients and the healthy feeling we feel on them. (not to mention that I am so happy I finally found something to help me loose this stuborn baby fat my body would not release!)http://M..isagenix.com/us/en/home.dhtml
Since we use so many of the products, we paid the $36 fee to become a rep and get wholesale prices.
HTH
Jenn
Mama to Bryce~9 Austin~7 Taylor~2

L.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I think she's filling up on pediasure. That's why she's not hungry. I'd back off on those.
LBC

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M.P.

answers from Washington DC on

I recently got the book "How to get your kid to eat, but not too much" by Ellyn Satter and I've LOVED it. My daughter is just 20 months but I've had a hard time getting her to eat too. The book will echo what you're doctor has told you, that she is healthy and will eat when she's hungry, but it also talks about and gives you some iteas to help kids eat better.

Also I'm no expert but if she is drinking Pedisure all day long she is probably getting all she needs and therefor is not getting hungry. Try this book it talks about setting an eating schedule with meals and snacks. Anyhow good luck!!!

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K.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Has she been sick lately? Have the doctors done a through exam of her? My son recently stopped eating, he had no interest in food at all. We never noticed how much weight he lost until some of our friends said how skinny he was. We then took him to the doctor and they did blood work on him t determine he had an infection in his blood stream. So if you have not done that route, I would ask the doctor do a blood work up. That is the only way we found out. Good luck.

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D.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Don't force it, let it happen naturally. I did the same thing with mine. she would not eat and I was so worried. It will change with time. Now my daughter eats everything and I can't keep her from the table. All that worrying for nothing.

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L.Z.

answers from Tampa on

C.,

I read that you give your daughter pediasure constantly throughout the day. My son used to drink whole milk all day long and he would not eat that much if at all during the day. I eventually had to cut down his milk and started giving him water instead and I noticed he began to eat more throughout the day. Your daughter may just be filling up on the pediasure and doesn't have room for the food.

L.

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D.T.

answers from Norfolk on

Don't give her sweet and when she get hunger she will eat and don't let her fill up on water or milk or juice when she see you won't let her fill up on fliud she so see she want food. Hope it will help just when you eat go wow this is good and make sound like it good to and see if that help i pray for you to

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M.L.

answers from Washington DC on

I was the same when I was a child and my parents didn't know what to do to make me eat. My mother became anxious and every meal was a nightmare. I started to feel hunger at the age of 6 when my brother was born : my mother had too much to do with a new baby so she left me alone and there it was : I discovered what to be hungry meant.
today, i'm still fragile in the sense that as soon as I have a problem, I can't eat but who cares? i'm healthy, got a full time job and bring up my 2 children alone.
my 2 children now 12 and 8 have never had this problem. when they were babies, I was never anxious about the quantities they would eat.or if they would miss a meal. and the result is that they have a very good appetite and would never miss a meal for anything in the world.So I must cook... which is not my favourite past time as for me, food is only secondary.
Don't worry and relax.
M. from france.

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D.B.

answers from Washington DC on

I think you have answered your own question. She's tanked up on Pediasure, which does give her body nutrients (albeit processed ones), so her natural appetite is inhibited. The body is tricked into thinking it has the nutrients, so hunger isn't stimulated. Plus her little belly is full of liquid if she's drinking it "constantly." Back off the Pediasure. Stay away from sugary drinks in general, which can distort hunger. Let her complain a bit. It is true... when she's hungry enough, she'll eat.

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J.G.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi C., I am also the mother of a "peanut." She just turned 5. Same thing, never was interested in food, even as a baby. I did find that around 4 she became more interested in food, which alot of kids do around that age. She still only eats one "normal" sized meal a day, then picks at the other meals. Friends say to look at what she eats in a week vs. one day. She is the smallest in her class and still wears size 2T skirts! (pants are too short). But her height is right on so I try not to worry too much. I guess I'm comiserating with you rather than helping you, but just wanted to let you know you're not the only one out there! There are some "small" genes in our family although my husband and I are tall. I just keep telling myself her time will come!

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E.H.

answers from Washington DC on

My son who will be 10 in July had his "eating" days as well. But his were just days and not long time frames. Maybe you could try a "play-date" with a friend for your daughter. Make something simple to eat that the kids can help make. Really emphasize how well they are helping..especially the friend. Then offer the food to the kids. Chances are the friend will eat, then praise the friend on how a good girl-boy they are on eating. This may encourage your daughter to try to food as well because you are giving positive attention to the other child. By negative reactions to her not eating may be just giving your daughter the fuel she needs to get her way or to get extra attention. If that doesn't work, then at mealtimes, sit her at the table but don't even fix her a plate. She may eat just to be a part of the family again. Good Luck!

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N.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I don't know what pediasure is. However, I remember our pediatrician told us that when the kids drink a lot, they will get too full for eating meals (in that case juice or formulas). I would limit her drinking times to 5 times a day, water only, at least one and a half hours from meal time. Then, since she is used to drinking so much, just serve purified, room-temperature water (no ice, which freezes the digestive fires and inhbits digestion) at the end of the meal.
You might even want to find out the schedule at school, and approximate that for meals. Good luck and health for your little one. Peace, N.
ps. My kids are older now: 19, almost 15, and 11

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H.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Hello, C.:

My younger son was the exact same way when he was 3, and it worried me to death. We gave him Pediasure as well. When we took him to the pediatrician, they said to cut back on the Pediasure (we were giving him 2-3 per day). Although it provides the nutrients, each Pediasure is like a milkshake; they're very filling, which makes them not want to eat. They said he would adjust his eating habits accordingly once we cut back. It worked! He is still a picky eater and a nibbler, and he is a wee one. However, he eats a much greater variety of foods now, and he's very healthy. And your doc is right; they will eat what they need. Just keep offering a variety of foods, and she'll adapt. She'll be fine. Good luck!

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N.L.

answers from Washington DC on

ADDITIONAL COMMENT:

I forgot to mention that you may want to limit the number of distractions during meal time as well. I used to let my 30mo daughter watch TV as she ate. I cut it out (for 2 reasons) and now she's able to focus on eating (or playing w/ her food) rather than watching Dora. Also, when we are eating, she has to stay in her booster seat. We eat as a family so she must remain seated until we are all finished. This helps her pick at her food. I also ignore her commands that I take her food b/c she is finished. I usually tell her that I will get it in a minute b/c I'm busy right now. That will buy me a few minutes and she'll usually eat a few extra bites. Hope this is helpful.

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

As weird as this may seem, stop giving her pediasure. While my daughter isn't underweight, I do notice a direct correlation between when she has snacks and drinks and the amount of any given meal that she'll eat.

For example, I used to give her a snack when we got home in the evening to tide her over until dinner. I found that she wouldn't eat dinner. Now I give her about 4 ounces of milk (sometimes chocolate milk) and that's it. She's much more likely to eat her dinner in those cases.

Your daughter likely isn't hungry b/c of the pediasure.

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B.D.

answers from Washington DC on

C.,
I was having the same trouble with my three year old son. I ended up buying him his own inexpensive "cooking set" of real measuring cups, spoons, a timer, and a little apron. I now try to have him help me cook at least 2-3 times a week. It takes more work, but he eats really well now, even when he hasn't helped me. It's like helping me prepare the food has given him a new appreciation for food in general. I'm also planning to do a VERY small/easy veggie garden this spring with tomatoes and peppers in the hopes that if he helps grow the plants, he may be more interested in trying them.
Hope this helps!

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M.T.

answers from Washington DC on

does she have symptoms of gassiness, bloating and not feeling hungry? Is she intolerant or allergic to some foods? Does she have diarrhea, very smelly, loose stools? She is small but is she growing at all being underweight? Wha is her height and weight and where is she on teh percentile growth chart???
I think it would be worth getting another pediatricians advice to see if she can get a blood test and workup to rule out celiac disease. Hope fully your daughter is able to verbalize discomfort and symptoms to you-good luck

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K.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Try and get your daughter to cook/prepare the food with you. It's more work to do it that way, but most kids love to cook and everyone is more likely to eat what they helped to prepare. You could make something that is really nutritious and yet fun to make and eat. Try this recipe I got from a raw foods diet. Take 2 cups of plain (not salted or roasted) semi-raw cashews, 3 cups frozen mango, 1 cup orange juice, 3 bananas (fresh or frozen) and 3 cups dates (majool are really good) (I'm not sure I spelled that right) anyway - put the cashews in a food processor until they become smooth then add the rest of the ingredients until you have an ice cream consistency. You can eat then or put in small containers and freeze for individual meals/snacks. This "ice cream" packs A LOT of nutrition - it's delicious and can be eaten anytime (not just as a dessert). If your daughter helps you make it - maybe it'll be easy to get her to help you eat it too...
Good luck!
KAH

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T.T.

answers from Washington DC on

My Son, who is 13 now, was the same way. We did pediasure and the doctor said that he will eat when he was hungry. He was small for his age. He has grown out of it and now I cant get him to stop eating. Looking back i think his appettite picked up when he was about 9 years old. One thing I did relalize that the doctor was right he did eat when he was hungry. Try hard not use the pediature as a meal but only as a supplement. Sometimes I think the pedisure was enabling him not to eat food, he loved those.
Another trick that worked was putting a very very small portion on a plate. When she eats it all she will feel proud of herself.

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L.M.

answers from Norfolk on

Lightly Sprinkly a LIL Sugar.........
It does the trick my grandmother did it to us, and we ate our food. My child is the same age and i have the same problem and this is what i do. Question. What school will you child be going to in the fall.????

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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

C., our godson went through exactly the same thing--exactly! First, take a deep breath and don't freak out. You've done the No. 1 thing, which is to talk to the doctor and have your daughter examined; and if you remain concerned you can ask the doctor's office to test her for food allergies or whatever (maybe she doesn't eat many foods you offer because they upset her tummy enough she associates them with unpleasant feelings). BUT don't get fixated on the thought that "this is a medical crisis" -- our friends did that and ended up hauling their toddler son to doctor after doctor before he just eventually settled and started eating normally--without any of the programs etc. the doctors were throwing at them mostly to soothe the panicked parents. You might arrange with her regular doc to get her checked for weight and overall health every X months while she's eating so little but in the meantime, please elminate the Pediasure -- if she's drinking it "constantly throughout the day" she is filling herself up and satiating her appetite with that, so it's no surprise she's got no interest in solid foods. You might have to taper off the Pediasure gradually if she's attached to the idea of a cup of it in her hand, but it's got to go. Another friend's son was also eating less and less and his mom realized it was because he wanted to drink, drink, drink milk all day -- he was simply too full of liquid to want food! Watch how she does, cut the Pediasure and other things like milk or juice way, way back and offer a big variety of foods. Report back to Mamasource. I'll be thinking of you!

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T.C.

answers from Washington DC on

how about if she is involved in the cooking or preparation of the food. perhaps that would interest her in eating, especially if she picks the recipes, shops for the ingredients, etc.

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C.B.

answers from Washington DC on

You say you've raised other children, and every child is so very different. I think maybe she is getting full on the pediasure and that is why she is not hungry. My daughter, now 5, had the same sort of "addiction" to soy milk" and it was easy to give her and you know its not bad so you give in. But at some point I started saying to her her, "only babies drink milk all the time because they have no teeth. You are a big girl now and need to eat big girl food." Cut back on the pedisure a little and even if she does not eat what you give her for the firt few days ( I find breaking a child of a habit can take upto a week) she will survive and I bet she'll start eating some solid food simply because she'll be hungry. Kids are tricky little things and being a busy mom and not wanting to see them distressed it is so easy to let them fall into these rountines and habits that then become so hard to break. Good luck ... and try to pick a meal that a good time of day, when she is not tired, needing a nap, etc.

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K.B.

answers from Norfolk on

I think you are too worried about it. I would make sure she has plenty of water but stop giving her the Pediasure and only offer food at meal times. She'll eat eventually but don't let it be a power struggle that disrupts the rest of the family dynamic.

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S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi C.,

I would suggest taking your child to a specialist
or a nutritionist, or possibly therapy. I have heard
of children with this problem in the past and it was
about the texures of food that they didn't like. I beleive
your pediatrician should be made aware of this problem.

Many blessings to you and your family.

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A.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi,
I've never had this issue myself but my kids(6,9,11) are picky eaters. I do have a suggestion that would help increase the amount of fruits and veggies she gets each day. It is called juice plus-it is whole food in a capsule, chewable or gummy. It has 15 fruits and veggies and 2 whole grains The fruits and veggies are juiced,sugars extracted, then concentrated into a powder that is then put into the capsules, chewables or gummies. You could open the capsules and mix in pedasure though I'm not sure of that taste. There have been 13 research studies published already that show how it raises antioxidents, balances weak immune systems, benefits cardiovascular health, lowers risk factors associated with disease. It is not high in calorie but would serve to add the nutrition of fruits, veggies, andwhole grains to your daughters diet. If you want to find out more about it-try www.juiceplus.com/+ac91637- A. C

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M.P.

answers from Norfolk on

Have you tried pediasure that will give her nurtrients and vitiamins. She will eat when she is hungry however you can give her finger foods. My 4 yr olf grandaught will eat that way she eats like a bird. We giver finger foods that is nutrional for her. Hope this helps.

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D.E.

answers from Washington DC on

STOP worrying! My parents constantly took me to the pediatrician because I didn't/wouldn't eat. I am now a healthy 44 yr. old woman. Children have built in mechanisms that tell when to eat. Adults destroy that mechanism in children when they tell them to eat when they are not hungry or tell them to clean their plates when they are full. Let her stomach guide her and she will be much healthier in the long run for listening to her body tell her when to eat. Also, stop giving her pediasure she probably is filling up on the Pediasure so she doesn't feel like eating anything else.

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A.T.

answers from Norfolk on

There is quite a bit of calories in those. That could possibly be why she isn't eating. She is getting so much from those. You may want to try scaling them down. Or, she could just be one of those kids that prefers drinking their calories. Offer it to her after you offer food, not before. Don't let her fill up on drinks. Do what you can, and if it still doesnt' work she will survive. If she is petite, dont expect her to eat monster portions. Kid portions are much smaller than ours. We had an issue with my son much the same. He would fill up on milk, and he would drink it instead of eating meals. I scaled the milk back by giving very watered down juice to reduce the calorie consumption from beverages. Then, I make sure there is no grazing. I offer the meal before the juice always. Now he eats real meals.

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D.G.

answers from Washington DC on

Perhaps you should wean her off of the Pediasure. Would you sit and eat regularly if you could have a milkshake anytime? Establish a routine, at our house it's breakfast, lunch, snack time (mid afternoon) and dinner. When a mealtime is over, it's over. If you are served by someone else you do not have to eat all of your food, however, if you serve yourself you must finish it all. Teaches the "you can always get more but you can't take it back" idea. You do not have to eat the food served but there will be nothing else until breakfast. They must stay at the table and be cordial. This has worked on all four kids. It may not be easy, but it will benefit you and her for life.

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S.D.

answers from Washington DC on

My 20 month old daughter ate just fine (lots of fruit, veggies and meat) with no problems. She is small as were both my husband and I all of our lives and the doctor was concerned that she's not gaining weight but still recognizing that she comes from small parents. The doctor told me to put her on pediasure only instead of milk and give her high calorie foods (nothing light or low fat). As soon as she started drinking the pediasure she stopped eating. I took her off the Pediasure (back to whole milk) except for a before bedtime bottle and she has started eating again but not the same as before.
I think the pediasure filled her up so much that she didn't want to eat and maybe that is the problem with your daughter.
I didn't discuss taking her off the pediasure with my doc but my instincts told me that was the problem. Physically and intellectually my daughter is advanced, just small!

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D.S.

answers from Washington DC on

She may feel it is the only thing she can control in her life. Try not to make it a game. Put out the food for her in fun shapes and color, then leave it. She will eat if she is hungry. If she does eat....don't make a big deal of it! Cheer to yourself. Try to give her other areas in her life to be in control of. Choosing red or green for the shirt she wears.....Choosing bedtime at 7:30 or 7:35....choosing pink cup or yellow cup...etc.
Pediasure can be filling as well. Is she getting too much? That could be filling her little tummy so that food won't fit.

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J.S.

answers from Richmond on

When you say she drinks the pediasure "constantly" does that mean she drinks that like a regular beverage, or that she always appears to be very thirsty? If it is the second, you should mention that to the pediatrician (there are certain types of diabetes and whatnot that constant thirst is the primary symptom). Also, if she is very thirsty, she might be more hesitant to eat proteins (which require a LOT of water to process), so maybe try to stick to simpler sugars like carbohydrates and fruit. Of course, if the level of thirst is normal than none of this matters :)

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M.M.

answers from Norfolk on

You know, my mom had the same problem with me when I was little and we've had the same issue with my son who is 3 1/2. Your doctor is right. She will eat when she's hungry. The Pediasure will provide her with good nutrients and in the meantime just keep offering her different foods. She will eventually change her mind. Going to school might help when she sees all the other kids eating. Good Luck and don't worry, she'll be fine!

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D.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Sounds like she is filling up on Pedisure, be careful with that. Some kids have a texture thing going on with foods. See if she prefers her food raw or cooked. Switch it up. Hope it makes a difference.
Deb H.

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M.S.

answers from Washington DC on

I see people give their kids pediasure all the time and then wonder why the kid won't eat. Have you ever drank one of them? They are filling!
I used to make a large platter of veggies and set it on the table with ranch and gather my three around and at first they ate more ranch than anything and would be covered up to their elbows in it but they did start to eat veggies and now they love any vegetable and people have often asked how I got them to love broccoli. The truth is, I was a really bad cook and loved vegetables myself and that is about all I knew how to do. Hide the pediasure and set out cold cuts and veggies and she'll snack when she's hungry. Hope this helps.

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A.L.

answers from Charlottesville on

Isn't Pediasure supposed to be a supplement - like once a day? Just like kids who drink juice all day long have no appetite, she's sabotaging her real appetite with the Pediasure. Water is for when you're thirsty, food is for when you are hungry and Pediasure should be a one shot deal during a day. How many calories are in the Pediasure anyway? She's just on a liquid diet. My 10 year old twins have never been very big - one is 62 pounds but then again she loves salad. Forcing won't work - hunger will. Good luck.

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S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

If she is constantly drinking pediasure I am wondering if that has an effect on her appitite. Try and forgo on the Pediasure for a day or so, see if she becomes hungry. I am wondering what are her favorite foods? Using a vita mix to prepare soups, juices and smoothies would be a great way to use whole foods but prepare them in a liquid form. You get all the nutrients and the fiber.

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C.T.

answers from Washington DC on

I'd like to agree AND disagree with the pediasure comments made... I've used it with both my older two kids (now 6 and almost 4) and I think it gives us mother peace of mind, so don't give it up! But I do agree that limiting isn't a bad idea. I started pediasure when my children were no longer nursing or getting formula and I am all for it, but I would only give one can a day, doing a 1/3 can mixed with milk in the morning and the same at lunch and same at night right before bed. When she is thirsty during the day, give her just water or watered down juice. I am having the exact problem with my son (4 in April) and part of it is that he just isn't hungry. When I stopped giving him milk inbetween meals, it helped a lot. He started wanting to actually eat. I did notice that his big eating time is after lunch (we usually eat early for my son that is in afternoon Kindergarten) about 2pm or so my 4 yr. old wants to eat and will eat a normal size meal. The rest of the time, he will seriously have no more than a bite or two.
This may be more helpful for picky eaters rather than just not hungry, but it may help because you said occasionally she will eat her favorite foods. I have a couple food rules with my kids... They have to have something to eat at each meal. They get to choose what is for breakfast, anything they want (can't be candy or any form of dessert, yes, we've had chicken nuggets for breakfast). I give them a choice of 3 things for lunch, but the boys have to agree so that I am only making one thing. And lastly, I decide what is for dinner and they have to try at least 1-3 bites (depends on what it is) of each food, I will always include one thing in the dinner that I know they like, so they can eat as much of that as they want, after they have tried everything.
Limit the drinks, don't give up the pediasure, and allow her to pick her foods. One pediatrician told me, sometimes, it's not what they eat, it's that they ARE eating. My sister's pediatrician told my mom that when she was 3 and all she ate was fruit snacks. Good luck and try not to worry.

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M.O.

answers from Norfolk on

Hi C.,

Don't have much time to type right now, but just wanted to let you know I'm in almost the *exact* same position with my almost-5yo son. He doesn't drink Pediasure though, and additionally he doesn't make growth hormone so has to have nightly shots and is the size of a small 2yo. It's very frustrating; I understand you very well. (((HUGS))) Mama

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P.K.

answers from Norfolk on

I'd make sure she is getting DanActive drinks, it will helps her immune system stay strong and provide good properties for her. Also prayer is really good!

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J.S.

answers from Washington DC on

Oh my GOSH C., I just can't believe you just posted this question. I am about to write a question for the first time - and it's RIGHT along the same lines. Our little boy (he'll be 4 in June) also really does not like to eat. While I too have heard: "He won't starve", "he'll eat when he's hungry" - it is SUCH a stressor on a Mommy and a Daddy when the little people just won't eat...and they stay so little! We were on the Pediasure kick for a while...and he'd drink that ALL day EVERY day if he could...but we actually got away from that. I am not going to be one with answers for you - but one that has the very same questions. Today his teacher suggested a sticker chart (because having dessert, a treat, etc really doesn't motivate him either). We already have a sticker chart for various other "big boy" things...but at tonight's dinner, it didn't work too well. We'll try it again tomorrow. We have given up snacking until he can show us that he'll eat his meals. I also have tried talking "through" a stuffed animal - like "Animal needs to eat so that he'll be big and strong and get faster". Another totally crazy thing that I've tried...we also have a 10 month old baby girl - and she has NO problem eating...so I've said that his sister is getting bigger and stronger and faster and may catch up to you soon! I am sorry that I'm babbling - but I too really have the same issues. It's terrible. Maybe you and I can try and "ignore" it together...I know that's what we're SUPPOSED to do - power struggle, right?

Good luck!
Talk soon!
J.

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

i would not turn it into a source of tension and conflict (i know it's futile to tell you not to let it be a source of anxiety for you!) if you can fight down your worries over it and keep calmly and patiently making a variety of foods available to her, it's very likely that this will pass and she will develop a healthy attitude toward food, even if she always remains a light eater.
i think you're doing very well by giving her pediasure (you can probably make your own version from fresh products that would be even better!) and having her checked out by the doctor.
khaire
S.

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M.R.

answers from Washington DC on

I'd cut out the pediasure, she is probably full with that and so doesn't feel hungry enough to eat anything else. I have a four year old (he just turned four Feb. 1st) who also hardly eats anything. My new approach is to have set meal times and snack times, where I lay out food options and my only rule is that he has to try everything before he can get down. But, I let him eat as much or as little as he wants. But, then I don't let him eat between those snacks and meals. He was just grazing on apples all day, but now that he only eats at certain times, it seems like he is eating more because he is actually getting hungry. I also really like that book Deceptively Delicious and even though I still put veggies on the plate and make him at least try them, I am also sneaking more veggies in other ways and it makes me feel better anyway. Good luck!

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C.T.

answers from Norfolk on

She might like one of the pediasure flavors, it is meal replacement and it gives her, her vitamins
C.

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J.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I haven't had this problem myself, but my friends have. I would highly recommend the books by Ellyn Satter (we have "How to Get Your Child to Eat but not Too Much"). If your ped is not concerned and she is growing I would not worry too much - just continue to offer a variety of healthy foods and make meal time pleasant. Food is a control thing for a lot of kids and some just aren't that into eating. Pusing too much might make her less likely to eat. Pediasure is good, but if she is drinking a lot of it - she probably isn't hungry for regular food. But I understand it is better than not eating. Again - don't worry too much - it sounds like you are doing what a good mom should!

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M.R.

answers from Norfolk on

C.,
I had a similar problem with my daughter...who is still not a great eater but atleast she is better. I would also give her Pediasure beacause I was worried she wasn't getting nutrients. Then a doctor finally explained to me that those drinks are not just nutrient drinks but also meal replacement drinks. It was no wonder she was never hungry!! So I cut her back to only one a day in the afternoon and just got tough. It was the hardest thing for me to do, but my husband and I decided to set boundries and not budge. She was to eat with us, and what we were eating, or not at all. I wont lie...it was hard at first not to run and give her what she wanted, but it only took about two days before she came around! And only about a week or two before I felt she no longer needed her afternoon Pediasure, but I do give a vitamin everyday. I don't know if this will help you, but it might!
Good luck!
M.

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K.C.

answers from Washington DC on

How often is she having pediasure? The pediasure is filling her up, most likely, so she is not hungry for food. Maybe try to hold off on the pediasure until she has eaten some real food.

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A.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Cut out (or least decrease) the Pediasure. If she is drinking it constantly throughout the day, it's no wonder she is not hungry. She is getting everything she needs and feels full because of that. Have you ever tried one of those drinks like Ensure for adults? They are very filling. Try one for yourself and see if you have the same appetite as before. I would bet not.

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R.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Hello, I know having a little one is a new experience each time...no child is the same. Even twins are like day and night. In today's rush rush society family time seems to get stuffed on the back burner. I found that sitting as a whole family at the sme time encouraged not only picky eaters to eat but even the ones with no appetite put something in their mouth. I have found that little ones only eat to get rid of a hungry feeling. As your dx. said she will not starve herself. She will eat when she is hungry. Pushing food can cause other problems in the upcomming years. So just have fun, keep up the good work as a great mom and watch for more serious symptoms as given by your peditrician.

D.S.

answers from Allentown on

Hi C.,

I know exactly what you are talking about. My grandson was a picky eater too at this age. 1) Has she got any physical health problems? Swollen tonsils or adenoids?

If no, then fix foods at meal times that she likes and tell her to eat some small portions of each and then give her the Pediasure. Only give Pediasure at meal times and give water between meals. Pediasure is addicting. Get vitamin c for infants and children and priobiotics for children at your local health food store.

Hope this helps. D.

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L.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I am having the same problem with my 15 month old son.. He just does not want to eat. He will eat little bits of your food but does not have a hearty appettite. I do the pediasure and will introduce some vitamins...I do a lot of praying and I have to admit I have not been constant on the feeding times due to work and everything else. Talked to his doctor.. he said he will eat when he is ready... I think, when I get a new job that will get me home by 6.. I am going to cut back his milk intake tremendously and that will give him more space for an appettite.

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