| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: [1] 2 |
MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
|
I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
When do you go from picky to a real problem? This girl has gone from picky to beyond lately. She's refusing so many things she used to eat.
For breakfast and lunch she wants nothing but oatmeal and yogurt. She'll pick at some other things like waffles, PBJ, and will eat fruit.
Dinner is down to quesadillas, Mac and cheese, and pizza (which we rarely have). She will eat spinach and green beans usually and that's about it for sides.
I've tried looking online for strategies but she's just getting worse. I try to put something on her plate she usually liked but now she's refusing more and more. I don't know what to do next.
|
Posted 11/15/16 6:16 PM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
|
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
I would call for an eating eval. DD is/was the same way and I really regret not making the call when she was younger. It can't hurt.
As an aside, we are now dealing with chronic sinus/ear infections due to enlarged adenoids and tonsils which will be coming out in January. The ENT said it does contribute to picky eating in some kids and does get better once they are out. So if you deal with any of those issues, it may be a contributing factor.
|
| Posted 11/15/16 8:00 PM |
| |
|
MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Posted by BaseballWidow
I would call for an eating eval. DD is/was the same way and I really regret not making the call when she was younger. It can't hurt.
As an aside, we are now dealing with chronic sinus/ear infections due to enlarged adenoids and tonsils which will be coming out in January. The ENT said it does contribute to picky eating in some kids and does get better once they are out. So if you deal with any of those issues, it may be a contributing factor.
Who exactly does an eating eval? I'm trying to get an ot eval right now despite the fact that she had one fairly recently. Do they do that also?
She's never had an ear infection and only one sinus infection but sometimes complains about sore throats regularly. I asked the ped if she had large tonsils or anything like that and he said no.
|
| Posted 11/15/16 9:04 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Posted by MrsT809
Posted by BaseballWidow
I would call for an eating eval. DD is/was the same way and I really regret not making the call when she was younger. It can't hurt.
As an aside, we are now dealing with chronic sinus/ear infections due to enlarged adenoids and tonsils which will be coming out in January. The ENT said it does contribute to picky eating in some kids and does get better once they are out. So if you deal with any of those issues, it may be a contributing factor.
Who exactly does an eating eval? I'm trying to get an ot eval right now despite the fact that she had one fairly recently. Do they do that also?
She's never had an ear infection and only one sinus infection but sometimes complains about sore throats regularly. I asked the ped if she had large tonsils or anything like that and he said no.
I believe eating goes through speech but not sure. There is a center I will look up the info for you and post it.
Until this past year DD never had the infection issues then it was non-stop for months. Worth keeping an eye on, or a visit to an ENT.Just to rule it out for sure.
|
| Posted 11/15/16 9:30 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Here you go, Suffolk Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy
Link
|
| Posted 11/15/16 9:50 PM |
| |
|
MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
|
I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Thank you! She gets pt through a speech agency right now so I'll talk to them.
|
| Posted 11/15/16 10:05 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Good luck! I know how frustrating eating issues can be.
|
| Posted 11/15/16 10:26 PM |
| |
|
gina409
TWINS!
Member since 12/09 27635 total posts
Name:
g
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Jmo but it sounds pretty typical. Toddlers can. E so frustrating with eating.
A eval can never hurt but I don't think it's necessary bc she is eating and as small as that lists sounds,it's a good variety
My motto is always put one thing on the plate I know they like
And if they refuse and want a snack later. Fine but it's a healthy one
|
| Posted 11/15/16 11:34 PM |
| |
|
Chai77
Brighter days ahead
Member since 4/07 7364 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Yeah it sounds pretty good compared to my 4 yr old DS. Though not a huge selection, it does seem well rounded with fruits, some good veggies, protein, dairy and grains. It also seems like a variety of textures. I personally wouldn't worry at this point.
For those who suggested an evaluation, I'm curious why and what for exactly?
Message edited 11/16/2016 5:12:34 AM.
|
| Posted 11/16/16 5:09 AM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
I promise I am not trying to dismiss your frustration but if my DD are what you described I'd be in heaven. My older DC went through this kind of eating for years but has improved greatly now going on 6. It sounds like a pretty typical stage. I was just talking to an mom that said all her ds will right right now is popcorn and Capri Sun despite her pleading lol. The more you stress and show your frustration the more kids push back and get anxiety about eating.
I know nothing about an eating evaluation but I noticed nothing you mentioned was "crunchy". Will she eats things like cheerios or goldfish crackers?
|
| Posted 11/16/16 5:48 AM |
| |
|
iluvmynutty
Mom to E&M
Member since 12/08 1762 total posts
Name:
D
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Posted by BaseballWidow
Here you go, Suffolk Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy
Link
I brought my picky eater/problem feeder to their Commack office and within 10 months (going 1x/week) she was like a new kid and now doesn't need to go anymore. I'm a pediatric OT with some feeding experience and I still couldn't mange his at home. My DD had a VERY sensitive gag reflex and would vomit at the drop of a hat. She had/has lots of sensory issues.
If it's a problem for you and your family it's would addressing. I went through my insurance comp and only had to pay a copay.
|
| Posted 11/16/16 5:59 AM |
| |
|
ml110
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 5435 total posts
Name:
|
I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
it sounds pretty typical to me for that age. and as a speech therapist, i'm not sure a feeding eval sounds necessary, but again I don't know her. A feeding eval would be necessary if she was gagging and having trouble swallowing. OR if she wasn't eating a big variety of textures ( crunchy things, soft things, chewy things....) it does sound like she's eating a lot of soft things... does she also eat things that are crunchy or chewy? if she's already getting PT though, it can't hurt to ask the center 
My son just turned 6, and is SO frustrating with eating, too!! he just wants the same thing over and over :-/ the only veggies he'll eat are carrots and corn... but he does eat a pretty good variety of fruits (strawberries, oranges, apples, pineapple, peach cups, blueberries-- but only frozen blueberries!! LOL ) SOOO i just push the healthy things i know he eats, making sure he gets enough of those... and every once in awhile force him to try a few bites of new veggie or whatever. I try not to make it too much of a thing, because everybody has their own taste preferences- he doesn't have to like every food.
|
| Posted 11/16/16 8:01 AM |
| |
|
IVFmiracle
Complete
Member since 12/12 4088 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
DD receives OT and speech. Our OT has been focusing on her eating issues more than speech. They thought it was a textural thing for a while but it seems it is just behavioral. She is very picky, but we have a good strategy in place that works.
We give her what we eat. We remind her that she can only get up from the table after eating a specific amount of food. Right now it's 5 bites of everything on her plate. So if she has a protein, veges and carbs it's 5 of each. Sometime she will eat the minimum, sometime she eats a lot more. I usually have to sit right next to her and encourage her through it so I don't eat until both DH and DD are done. If she eats more than the minimum we will often "surprise" her with dessert. Nothing crazy, but she knows when she is eating well and a "surprise" is coming. Other days she couldn't care less about dessert and after her 5 bites she is done!
It's exhausting, but we are in a much better place than we were just 3 months ago. 3 months ago we were working on just getting her to sit at the table without crying to get up.
|
| Posted 11/16/16 8:26 AM |
| |
|
TheDivineMrsM
2 girls 4 me!
Member since 8/08 7878 total posts
Name:
Mama mama mama....
|
I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
My 4 year old is the same way. I actually had a phone conference with her pre-k teacher yesterday, who said it was pretty typical. And DH was the pickiest eater on the planet when I met him (though I've broken him in over the past 13 years) so I blame him too lol.
|
| Posted 11/16/16 9:05 AM |
| |
|
TheDivineMrsM
2 girls 4 me!
Member since 8/08 7878 total posts
Name:
Mama mama mama....
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Posted by IVFmiracle
We give her what we eat. We remind her that she can only get up from the table after eating a specific amount of food. Right now it's 5 bites of everything on her plate. So if she has a protein, veges and carbs it's 5 of each. Sometime she will eat the minimum, sometime she eats a lot more. I usually have to sit right next to her and encourage her through it so I don't eat until both DH and DD are done. If she eats more than the minimum we will often "surprise" her with dessert.
Stealing this strategy!
|
| Posted 11/16/16 9:06 AM |
| |
|
MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Posted by IVFmiracle
DD receives OT and speech. Our OT has been focusing on her eating issues more than speech. They thought it was a textural thing for a while but it seems it is just behavioral. She is very picky, but we have a good strategy in place that works.
We give her what we eat. We remind her that she can only get up from the table after eating a specific amount of food. Right now it's 5 bites of everything on her plate. So if she has a protein, veges and carbs it's 5 of each. Sometime she will eat the minimum, sometime she eats a lot more. I usually have to sit right next to her and encourage her through it so I don't eat until both DH and DD are done. If she eats more than the minimum we will often "surprise" her with dessert. Nothing crazy, but she knows when she is eating well and a "surprise" is coming. Other days she couldn't care less about dessert and after her 5 bites she is done!
It's exhausting, but we are in a much better place than we were just 3 months ago. 3 months ago we were working on just getting her to sit at the table without crying to get up.
Curious how you got to that point if you can share any specifics? I can't imagine her being able to do that. At this point, she will gag easily on things she ate fairly well until recently.
|
| Posted 11/16/16 9:11 AM |
| |
|
NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!
Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
I'd be jumping up and down if either of my children would eat spinach and green beans!
IMO, that's pretty typical. My almost 4-yo primarily eats mac, pasta, hamburger, chicken and pizza. My 18-mo eats 3 things only. . 
|
| Posted 11/16/16 10:30 AM |
| |
|
MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Posted by NYCGirl80
I'd be jumping up and down if either of my children would eat spinach and green beans!
IMO, that's pretty typical. My almost 4-yo primarily eats mac, pasta, hamburger, chicken and pizza. My 18-mo eats 3 things only. .
See and I'd be jumping up and down if she ate hamburgers or chicken. Yes green beans and spinach are healthy but that alone is not a substantial dinner.
|
| Posted 11/16/16 11:58 AM |
| |
|
gina409
TWINS!
Member since 12/09 27635 total posts
Name:
g
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Posted by MrsT809
Posted by NYCGirl80
I'd be jumping up and down if either of my children would eat spinach and green beans!
IMO, that's pretty typical. My almost 4-yo primarily eats mac, pasta, hamburger, chicken and pizza. My 18-mo eats 3 things only. .
See and I'd be jumping up and down if she ate hamburgers or chicken. Yes green beans and spinach are healthy but that alone is not a substantial dinner.
See but I think that plays into part of how its typical
Toddlers (most) are picky and again most don't eat a typical meal with sides and meat etc
Of course some do and est it all but imo it's common at his age
|
| Posted 11/16/16 1:50 PM |
| |
|
NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!
Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Posted by MrsT809
Posted by NYCGirl80
I'd be jumping up and down if either of my children would eat spinach and green beans!
IMO, that's pretty typical. My almost 4-yo primarily eats mac, pasta, hamburger, chicken and pizza. My 18-mo eats 3 things only. .
See and I'd be jumping up and down if she ate hamburgers or chicken. Yes green beans and spinach are healthy but that alone is not a substantial dinner.
Agree, but hamburgers have to be plain and chicken is either plain or fried. There's only so many ways I can make "plain" foods for the kids. As it is, I made 3 dinners every night.
|
| Posted 11/16/16 1:51 PM |
| |
|
MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Posted by gina409
Posted by MrsT809
Posted by NYCGirl80
I'd be jumping up and down if either of my children would eat spinach and green beans!
IMO, that's pretty typical. My almost 4-yo primarily eats mac, pasta, hamburger, chicken and pizza. My 18-mo eats 3 things only. .
See and I'd be jumping up and down if she ate hamburgers or chicken. Yes green beans and spinach are healthy but that alone is not a substantial dinner.
See but I think that plays into part of how its typical
Toddlers (most) are picky and again most don't eat a typical meal with sides and meat etc
Of course some do and est it all but imo it's common at his age
I definitely agree with you on that. I think part of my frustration is not knowing what to do. I do what you suggested and always put at least one thing on the plate she likes. I can even cook her a whole separate meal (which I do more often than not) and she will take one look and say I'm not eating. Or even eat a few bites of one thing and be done. Then at bedtime she's complainig that she's hungry. Do I give her yogurt every single night bc she doesn't eat? If she had it her way she'd have a quesadilla every night and I'm sure after a week of that she'd get sick of them and then what? She keeps dropping foods and eats nothing new. I don't fight her (at least try not to) but her list keeps shrinking.
|
| Posted 11/16/16 2:10 PM |
| |
|
luvmykids8
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 2050 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Posted by NYCGirl80
I'd be jumping up and down if either of my children would eat spinach and green beans!
IMO, that's pretty typical. My almost 4-yo primarily eats mac, pasta, hamburger, chicken and pizza. My 18-mo eats 3 things only. .
same here!!!!!!!
my 4 yo primarily eats pasta, chicken and pizza too!
|
| Posted 11/16/16 2:12 PM |
| |
|
ChristinaM128
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 4043 total posts
Name:
Christina
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Wow - your dd eats a lot more and healthy things than mine! We are down to 0 veggies, apples the only fruit, and then macaroni, Perdue nuggets, bagels, and Cheerios. We cycle through those 4 foods. It's awful and has gotten worse. What's funny is that she will try EVERYTHING. She just finds everything disgusting.
|
| Posted 11/16/16 8:07 PM |
| |
|
WannaBeAMom11
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 7391 total posts
Name:
Name
|
I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
My kid eatsmac and cheese, chicken nuggets, turkey tacos and pasta yogurt, strawberries, milk and water. Besides an occasional sweet treat this is all she eats. We offer everything else and occasionally she'll surprise us but this is her staple diet. Everything else is disgusting.
|
| Posted 11/17/16 7:56 AM |
| |
|
shaleywhale
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/09 537 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm at my wit's end with 4yo eating
Posted by ChristinaM128
Wow - your dd eats a lot more and healthy things than mine! We are down to 0 veggies, apples the only fruit, and then macaroni, Perdue nuggets, bagels, and Cheerios. We cycle through those 4 foods. It's awful and has gotten worse. What's funny is that she will try EVERYTHING. She just finds everything disgusting.
Almost this, word for word... down to pretty much the exact same food selection. Except my 4 year old DS has decided that he no longer wants to bother to try anything new since everything is disgusting anyway. 
Therefore, I have no advice for the OP.  I can, however, say that I totally feel your frustration. Hopefully we all get past this phase soon, and with our sanity intact!
|
| Posted 11/17/16 9:57 AM |
| |
|
| Pages: [1] 2 |
