I need parenting advice
I need some advice for how to get my toddler to eat his food. I cant get him to eat what i make for him. He only wants snacks and milk most the time. When i try to hand him a piece of fruit he only pretends to take a bite and then is no longer interested. This is my first and only child and i have zero support im a single mom and this issue has been going on way too long im starting to worry and am completely overwhelmed. He tells me no everytime i try to get him to eat, but this morning he tells me hes hungry and wants cake so i made him something sweet french toast sticks, but didnt give him cake and he wouldnt touch that either.
@brightOak5438
Each child is different but many if we eventually let them have what they want to get them to eat of to calm down if they get upset, they learn they can do things to get their way. This is very hard as a single mom as we are busy tired etc. and we may give in glad they eat anything.
I quit buying any "good" items they wanted.
I ate with them and sometimes made a game of try this or that often-found items they would eat.
Hello! How old is your son? I know my daughter sometimes goes through her phases of wanting and not wanting to eat her meals. I think two things. One, he could be full from all the snacks and milk and no longer has space for actual meals. Two, have you ever taken him to get tested for autism? My daughter is autistic, but she’s not bad, she’s very functional. But I know there are some foods she will not eat because the texture of it. I also know when children like that, they sometimes only like to eat specific foods and have no problem eating that over and over and over again. My husbands step brother is autistic and he’s bad in my opinion. He will only eat McDonald’s for dinner and that’s it, nothing else. He is extremely picky. Hopefully this helps!
@brightOak5438 that surely is frustrating. Do you think you could try baking a healthier version of a cake? Maybe by swapping out sugar and using sweet potatoes instead? There are tons of healthier recipes available online that may not be very time consuming. Also, there are a lot of healthier snacks available with wholesome ingredients. Maybe if your toddler sees he gets snacks when he wants, he would try to eat meals? I’ve been in similar situations and I’ve noticed that giving him one thing at a time helps, too many options just overwhelm him. I’m just giving you a few options- you know what is best for your child and what all resources you have. Hope this helps!