18 Month Old That Refuses to Eat

Hi J.,

I bet she fills up on the V8 before her nap and simply isnt hungry after she wakes up. I suggest feeding her lunch before nap with water or a little milk and then give her the V8 once she wakes up. I bet that might make a difference. But only give her maybe 4oz of the V8 after nap because I am sure she may be too full for 8oz.

Good luck!

-char

Hi J.:
I remember reading your request,when you were still living with your inlaws,and it saddens me to hear that things didn't improve,and that you eventually moved out.The discription you give, as being married to a wonderful man, tells me, that you are still very much in love with your daughters father.I won't sit here and try to give you advice on your marriage. Only you know,what it is you want. Only you can know what you need to do to get it.I can tell you, that wether you realize it or not, that your daughter is experiencing alot of the same sadness,and frustration that you are during this time. She misses the normalsie,of having both her mommy and daddy with her,and while you don't want to admit it,because of the torment your inlaws have caused, she misses the closeness she has with them to. Its not unusual for your daughter to have trouble eating and sleeping while all this is going on.She not only is confused, by the move, and the separation from her daddy, but she can sense your anxiety,and frustration as well.The worse thing you could do at this time, is get into confrontations with her father, in front of her. This would be very unsettling and confusing to her.If you know, there will be words between the two of you, make sure its when shes not in the same room or an ears length away. This is not good for her to hear. It doesn't put YOu in a good light, if she hears you yelling at the man she adores.(her daddy)J.,be very careful, not to take out your hurt on your daughter.I don't believe you would do this intentionaly,but sometimes, we get so caught up in our own grief,we forget,and have to stop and remember, that our children are suffering, right along with us. You never force feed a child.You can make her sick to her stomach,and create terrible eating habits,as a result. Meal time, is suppose to be an enjoyable time for her. If she isn't hungry,then let it go, and try a little later, or just give her a snack and milk.I don't know why the v8 drink, but that could cause her to feel full,and it could give her an acidic stomach before she goes to bed. If she likes it, fine,give it during the middle of the day with lunch,but that could be part of her problem at meal time.v8 drink fills you up. I wouldn't be hungry either.Try to remember, that even though your daughter is just a toddler,that she has feelings to. Shes sad right now also. Its not easy,when your going through so much hurt yourself, but turn it around, and you and your darlin daughter use this time to grow closer,become more compassionate towards one another, and work at that close relationship you want to have with her.I wish you both the best. J.

Hi J., Sweetie to don't force feed her, if she is really hungry she'll eat, I know in this heat, well if you are here in San Diego it's in the 90's kids want to drink more so than eat, the problem is they get filled with liquids, You may want to just put her in high chair and give her finger foods things she can feed herself, and if it apears she isn'r going to eat, don't stress just take he down, til like you said next meal time, make sure she does stay hydrated in this heat, but don't give her extra, I know when it is this hot my daycare kids eat less, except fruit, they like a lot of fruit when it's hot. Hope this helps. J. L.