Really picky eater - 6 year old boy

[chris0105]

Just about the only fruit or veggie my 6 year old has eaten for the last 2 years is broccoli. Granted, it's one of the healthiest, but he's approaching 7 and this is ridiculous. He absolutely refuses to eat any fruits, juices; or any other veggies (except cauliflower... same family I guess.)

We've tried introducing new items in small doses, using same food every meal for a week. We've tried having him pick out the food, cook the food. We've tried rewards. Punishments. We've tried hiding the new food in a familiar food, but he can tell. He complains that we serve him brocc every night, but he won't try anything else. Any ideas? The rest of his diet is adequate... lots of cheese, protein, carbs, etc.

[DaNk]

Chris, I have the same exact problem with my son. He's almost 6 yrs old and refuses to try most new foods.

I've talked to his Pediatrician and he says that I just have to stay positive, but that's not always easy. I worry about him even though I know he gets plenty to eat. I supplement his diet with at least two of the Pediasure drinks each day and vitamins. It just amazes me that I just know he would like a lot of things if he'd just try them. What child doesn't like Mac n' cheese, Pizza or hot dogs? Mine.

The only things I can get him to eat are chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, cheeseburger (plain) and things like fries, chips, and junk. I know I shouldn't continue to buy those things for him, but he simply won't eat anything else and I'm afraid for him to not eat anything.

I've tried many veggies, but after a few bites to appease me, he gets really upset to the point of making himself sick. Maybe I'm being a pushover, but I just can't handle that, as I remember being made to eat things that I didn't like as a child as well and don't want to put him through that kind of torment.

Thankfully, he doesn't like a lot of sugar filled foods, other than a few candies here or there. And he absolutely hates soda of any type. He loves water and would drink it with every meal, but I try to keep his vitamins up naturally by having him drink milk and/or juices.

[mommaeto3]

My daughter is a notoriously picky eater. She would live off chicken nuggets/tenders and french fries if we let her. She has a few healthy things she eats but none of them include fruits or vegetables, aside from apples. She is extremely stubborn and literally makes herself sick if we push the issue and make her try something new (including things like watermelon). And now, she is sick of the things she eats b/c that's all she eats all the time! I am tired of having to come up with an alternative meal for her and it isn't fair to her siblings that we expect them to eat the food in front of them, but not her. She has sat in time out and gone to bed without dinner before. She doesn't care and/or becomes completely unreasonable probably due to low blood sugar. My son is becoming a better eater and my 3 year old is a fabulous eater. This is ridiculous.

[AngelicKateri]

I found out a way to fix this problem because of my picky eating Husband. LOL. Yes I am relating my 2yr old & 27 yr old husband.

Does your kid like PIZZA? Would it be cool to BUILD YOUR OWN PIZZA?

Here's the trick. When he is not watching, or not home: Get a small can of crushed tomatos, and go into your produce section and grab some veggies that will blend well. Get the idea? U talk about hiding? The ultimate hiding is when you blend it! and the same idea can go for pasta sauce as well.

My boys (husband and son LOL) eat veggies all the time. However have no idea.

I never try to do a daily veggie or fruit intake. I think of it weekly.

I also make amazing Chocolate Milkshakes.......(I blend in fruit)

Try this idea. It requires you to be sneaky. But hey, until your child is more open to try new things, Atleast you have the knowledge that he's getting what he needs!

[aramae]

Nice one... that's interesting.. I'll try that..

[AngelicKateri]

Haha. Well, you are looking at the master food hiding champion! I also figured out a way to make Mac-N-Cheese with veggies. Take some spaghetti, Make the sauce, and just before it's all really cooked, Make Long Shreds of Squash, Or Cucumber. They never know the difference when it's covered with Cheese, or something sweet.