2 year old DD on eating strike!

DS has never been a good eater but DD is killing me! I try to ignore it and say she will eat when she's hungry but it's starting to stress me out. She literally eats less than a full meal a day! A few bites here and there, never a full meal. She is however obsessed with drinking. Water, milk and especially yogurt smoothies! Hoping it's a quick phase! Anyone have a similar LO?

ETA she's not teething or sick in any way.

Message edited 8/27/2013 10:00:23 AM.

Re: 2 year old DD on eating strike!

Both my DD's (3 and 1 ) are not the best eaters. DD 1 is way worse than DD 2.
At her 3 year check up, I spoke with the doctor and they told me to with hold milk if she does not eat. DD would drink gallons and gallons of milk a day if I let her.
So what I do is give her food - whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner and tell her she has to eat half before she gets her milk. her eating has improved a bit. however, if she does not eat half or the X amount of bites that was told prior to eating then she only gets water.
I also give the least favored food first - for her it is proteins. So, if she wants mac and cheese or pasta then she needs to eat 2 chicken nuggets or half a burger etc before the other food is put on the plate.
It is so frustrating and there were times meals would end in tears from both of us but now I just try not to stress. The food is put on the table and if she eats great, if she does not eat then she will eat at the next meal - no milk and no snacks at all until she eats at the next meal time.
Good Luck!!!

Message edited 8/27/2013 1:16:57 PM.

Re: 2 year old DD on eating strike!

If she loves smoothies add a huge handful of spinach. You don't taste it at all and it'll only turn the smoothie green. At least there will be some nutrition then.

Greek yogurt, ice, strawberries, banana, blueberries, spinach...you can add peanut butter too if she likes it. Coconut oil is fatty as well as avocados, if you're looking to get some fat into her as well.