My stepson is seven going on eight, and still eats so little. He is underweight and hates eating mostly all foods. At my house, we eat together, and we all eat whatever is made for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; if he doesn’t want it, then he doesn’t eat. I do not give in and give him what he wants. Each time I serve his food, he makes faces, and I can already tell I’m going to struggle to get him to eat. If it is not what he asks for, he throws a fit and starts to cry all the time. When we go out to eat, I do allow him to pick his food but not even that he will finish (kids meal most of the time). He has been acting this way since I meet him (he was 5), and it’s only getting worse. I have talked to the doctor about it and is mention letting him go to bed hungry, and he will eat breakfast, but this is not what I want. I want him to learn he will not always get what he wants to eat; sometimes I don’t have it, or just the simple fact he needs to learn, it’s not always his way when it comes to food. I also feel his grandparents encourage his behavior because they will try to offer all types of food till he is happy with what he wants, and this makes it more difficult for me to manage his crying and fits. At times he will just sit there and stare at his food because he refuses to eat.
let him pick from 3-4 different options earlier in the day so he still feels like he made the choice. For example: so I’m going to let you pick the dinner tonight. We can have steak and mashed potatoes, chicken and rice, or pork chops (just an example, depending on what you have). Then let him pick the vegetable that goes with the meal… You could even go shopping and let him pick the veggie and meat he wants… Then let him pick a fruit for snack later. I have also heard of people doing a sticker reward system where they use stickers as prizes for doing what they are supposed too.
Honestly, would you want to eat what others pick all the time? Probably not. He’s old enough to communicate what he likes. When he’s with you (idk what the custody arrangement is) have him help you plan meals. If it’s something he doesn’t like one night that everyone else wants, have him help you pick a second option for him. He’s a kid, but he can still have opinions on what he eats.
Is he healthy? Is he just thin, or mal nourished? Quit making a big deal about it. He won’t starve and there are more important things to worry about. He’s like millions of other kids. He’ll live. There are many other questions and suggestions…
my son was terrible he ate nothing we gave him insure in his choc milk till about 9th grade than he started to try things
I think him eating something is better than not eating at all. I get you don’t want to offer different things but, the kid needs to eat. You don’t want him to starve so you just gotta offer something else. Even if it’s kids food. He’s gotta eat. I’m going through this with mine as well. I just care that he eats.
So you will let him starve rather than make something he actually likes to eat… And this is your stepson not your son… You know he is losing weight because he is not eating food he obviously doesn’t like that to me sounds like neglect… He is not your son to decide his eating habits and you should be making the experience enjoyable not torture I find this so wrong
Maybe try some PediaSure as a supplement
You’re worried about him being underweight but send him to bed hungry… Makes no sense.
Wow .if someone put food in front of me to eat and I didn’t like it I wouldn’t eat it either . Its a myth that if they are hungry they will eat it .would you eat things you didn’t like?
One you can’t just let him not eat that is not healthy… 2 your right you shouldn’t give in every time… when my daughter doesn’t want to eat what I make she has a choice of a peanut butter sandwich or jelly sandwich and a apple. Simple but it works…
I remember our Doc telling me that kids won’t starve themselves. Try not to make mealtime a battlefield . If he’s old enough let him dish out his own food. Rule is that he has to eat what he takes. It doesn’t matter how much he eats
What do his parents do? He’s not your child so you need to do what the parents want you to do. You can’t starve a child. Feeding him anything is better than him being left hungry.
First get him some pediasure shakes so he is getting the nutrients he actually needs both physically and mentally to maintain his growth. And I hate to say it but from the info you have given it seems like maybe in his world so much change has happened and it something he can control in his own world, especially since you stated it started when he met you particularly. Try involving him in some of your meal planning, prep and cooking. It will help him gain some confidence and help your relationship with him.
I’d make him something plain like porridge or a sandwich if he didn’t eat what was served …
Maybe get him involved in making food for everyone ? That may make him want to try it because he made it
One way to get kids eating atleast with mine anyways was including them in the cooking process . Whenever they will get fussy I would change the conversation from I’m not eating and carry on with something else so it takes the focus away from the demands . Some children do have genuine medical conditions in which they cant eat certain foods. Liquid supplements are also good like PediaSure.
My son was that way. Now he is in feeding therapy because he has sensory issues with certain foods and we also use Pediasure as a option. But him not eating and you not giving him option such as a small sandwich (PBJ, Grilled Cheese) or even like a warmed up noodle cup isn’t nice either.
I agree with the Dr. That is what my Pediatrician said about my 4 year old. If they are hungry they are going to eat what’s in front of them. Stay strong Mama. Don’t give in or you will be like my 27 year old beat friend’s son who eats Chicken Nuggets and French Fries only pretty much 
Also would recommend the bio parent having a “talk” with him as well.
Maybe let him cook with you and see if he will get interested that way. My son is 3 and is a picky eater but for some odd reason if it smells good he will eat it.
Ever considered food allergies. He doesn’t have to break out in hives ti be sensitive. Or maybe it’s a sensory thing. One of my kids is the same way bc of both things mentioned above. I was also a picky eater and my STEPMOM would force me to eat food I didn’t like and all it did was give me a stomach ache and make me hate her! Put yourself in his shoes.
Just give him the food he enjoys eating . He’s only seven his taste buds will change and he’ll eat more. Unfortunately this is just how some children are I don’t think it’s a teaching lesson ,it’s about keeping him healthy and nourished at this point. On the other hand play with the different foods make them fun to eat . Give him good tastings smoothies he’ll get veggies and fruit nutrients. Good luck
My son is seven and underweight as well. He’s struggled with his weight his entire life and is also a picky eater. I keep food my son will eat at all times, because it’s better than making him starve. I wait until he asks for food, and give him all options of meals he will enjoy because it isn’t worth the fight. Since I started doing this he has put on much needed weight, but is still underweight. Fed is best including into childhood.
If you know his likes at least add one to each meal. He doesn’t have to starve for you to prove a point.
We add meal replacement shakes, high calorie snacks, carnation instant breakfast. We see a nutritionist monthly and she has tons of resources like high calorie recipes, and high calorie healthy snack lists.
Maybe he has digestive issues and certain things don’t sit well in his body.
Does he have sensory issues? The texture of foods could be why he is refusing to eat certain things! This happens with my autistic son! He gets pediasure as a supplement because he simply won’t eat certain things.
Man feed the damn child what he likes! You don’t go and buy or cook something that you don’t like and force yourself to eat it. Just because he is a child he is still a human being!
He’ll grow out of that hopefully. But try turning into like a game everyone gets to pick a dinner one day out of the week but in order participate everyone has to eat the others choices also. Sounds like he has learned that having a tantrum gets him what he wants. So you have teach him to other wise. And try getting all adults on same page. I know trying to combine families is hard.
Wow a kids nutrition is not worth trying to make a point.
Your house your rules. I think perseverance is the best option. Offer an apple or bed if he won’t eat. He won’t starve himself. Harsh but I feel warranted if his own Mother can’t do it, thank goodness you are.
My daughter is the same way and I have discovered that she has enlarged tonsils!
I know you want to teach him you get what you get type thing but unfortunately with kiddos like this it doesn’t work that way . The “they will eat when they are hungry” is bs. I offer my daughter a different choice that’s healthy. Try smoothies at the least? I don’t think it’s fair to let him go to bed hungry. Maybe let him cook with you! Have him be apart of meal planning ask him to give you ideas. He may eat when he knows he got to help make dinner and everyone is eating it - it may be exciting to him. I wouldn’t use not eating as a bad thing. Don’t focus on the negative so much . In my opinion kids should have a say in what they eat or what they like at the least.
Find out what he likes and incorporate it into the meals. I have a picky 6 year old so we let him and his sister help decide the menu. Also they both know they will go to bed hungry if they don’t eat. We also offer a healthy dessert that his sister gets if she finished first and don’t back down he doesn’t finish no dessert period. It helped mine to start eating
How about you guys sit down and do a meal plan, let him pick some of the foods that he likes with each meal, but also foods he doesn’t like and he needs to eat at least 4 bites of every thing on the plate. That way he feels that he has a choice in it too, but he also trys new things. What you may think is good he may think taste nasty. If he at least trys new food he will find other foods he likes,and will start to develop a taste for the ones he thinks he doesn’t like. Also, you don’t know what is being said or told to him at the other house for example ewww don’t eat those that’s nasty
Put wholesome food out. Attractive food out. Then say I joy. Sit and eat with or without
Let kids eat as much, or as little as they want, if he was underweight in such a way that it was needing attention I’m sure his pediatrician would let you know, I’d direct your concerns to the pediatrician and not Facebook though
He’s not the issue you are lady! Stop with the control
Is there a dressing or sauce that he likes? I have a client that likes Thousand Island dressing on almost everything! Lol Or ranch? We started with asking for a cou9le bites of different or new foods with her “sauce” and then she could have a preferred food choice with it after the required ciuole of bites, then we went to eat half then you can have… it’s a work in progress but have most definately improved!!!
My granddaughter is the same way. I usually fix something she likes and something she has to taste. The tasting food she has to try and eat all of it on her plate, very small serving. She gets to help choose the fruit and vegi and then we go from there. Depends how often you have him, but if only one or two nights a week make a menu with him.
Peanut butter and jelly is what’s 4 dinner if they don’t eat what u cook
I like to trade off- fix some things they like and also fix things I like. I don’t give into sugar except ice cream.
Have u considered talking about planning meals for the week together… make every couple days his favorite things and the others yours… discussing that u will willingly eat his meals and make them if he eats urs? My kid loves pasta so one nights it’s meat the next it’s pasta
My son is incredibly picky. Talk to the doctor about food therapy, which is definitely a thing. They’re able to find out if the pickiness is a sensory issue or preference, then introduce foods in a way the child will be more open to. If this has been going on for years… stop letting him go to bed hungry. It’s annoying, but start making something you know he’ll eat at every meal. Don’t let him just starve because you aren’t sure how to go forward with this. I’ve learned that it’s easier to get the child to try new things when you’re not being hateful about their diet… and everyone has likes and dislikes. Try to keep that in mind.
We had a rule with our picky eaters. They had to eat at least one bite to try it. If they truly didn’t like it then their only option was a peanut butter jelly sandwich. A few times they discovered they actually liked the food but most of the time it was peanut butter and jelly.
Do you eat things you don’t want to eat? I don’t. There could be several reasons why he’s like that with food.
This is ridiculous, you cannot starve a child, i dont care if its yours or not, you offer somthing else small but enough, i have a yes bowl with fruit and a yes bowl with snack bars, if you don’t eat what i give you, you get the option of 1 of those, my kids always end up just eating there dinner
Do people not know how to read? She didn’t say she was starving the kid! Damn
Man I must be the worst mom ever i let me kids eat whatever they want when I cook I ask them to try it and see what they think if they don’t like it ok what do you want but every meal I throw in something that I know my kids will eat!! But I’ll never force my kiddos to eat something they don’t like! When they get older they can try it later in life! I couldn’t imagine my kids going to bed hungry
Seriously?
He is underweight, and you are more concerned about “giving in” then making sure he has a full belly? Or at least something on his stomach? His health is already compromised by not getting the calories he needs.
Sorry but because his health is at risk, you need to suck it up and make foods he likes so he can get some calories in him.
My son has sensory issues so he won’t eat certain things…he gets pediasure and his doctor said let him eat what he wants…us as adults don’t eat everything either there is some foods we don’t like and we don’t eat it…you could try just a bite or two of what you made put on his plate next to something he will eat eventually if they see it enough they will try it…I have a picky eater she is 14 now but when she was younger it’s what I did and she now eats more but not much…some people’s body’s just don’t like certain foods…don’t let a child starve just because s/he don’t like what you made
Just feed the kid sometimes we don’t like certain foods and shouldn’t force them to eat food they don’t like or want. Feeding him some cereal is better then starving him 
If he is clearly under weight you give him options…its food…pick your battles
It depends how underweight he is and if it’s impacting his overall growth. If it’s severe, he might have Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder or maybe a sensory sensitivity to textures of certain foods, and he could benefit from counseling. A therapist would probably encourage gradually adding new food to his diet in combination with his favorite foods. For example, if he doesn’t eat cheese, but loves burgers, you’d add one tiny fleck of cheese on the burger, and gradually increase it each time he successfully eats it— Basically, a form of exposure therapy. Hope this helps a little!
I provide things that my son (8) can cook for himself and our rule is if u dont want to eat what we make you can cook something for yourself. We keep frozen corn dogs, chicken nuggets, lunchables, sandwich stuff, etc in the house all the time and he is pretty good about getting something for himself. I feel this not only gets him to wat but also teaches him some responsibility and independence. We struggled with the not eating thing for awhile too and he was under weight u till I finally started doing things this way. Teaching him how to cook certain things for himself. And if I’m in the kitchen with him he can even make mac and cheese and scrambled eggs himself. Good luck to you!
My son hates everything we cook except meats. I never make my kids eat things they don’t like I let them pick what they want to eat if they do not like what I’m having.
I do the same with my kids, everybody gets to eat whatever is in the table, no exceptions. Is it just with food or he’s detached to you too with everything else
Fellow step mom here who struggles getting my 4 year old step son to eat as well. You’re not alone 
let him pick from 3-4 different options earlier in the day so he still feels like he made the choice. For example: so I’m going to let you pick the dinner tonight. We can have steak and mashed potatoes, chicken and rice, or pork chops (just an example, depending on what you have). Then let him pick the vegetable that goes with the meal… You could even go shopping and let him pick the veggie and meat he wants… Then let him pick a fruit for snack later. I have also heard of people doing a sticker reward system where they use stickers as prizes for doing what they are supposed too.
Supplement with pediasure. When my grandma was sick and couldn’t eat the Dr had her drink it, but stick to the food, if he just won’t eat ask him to take a couple bites if he really doesn’t like it then let him make a pp&j with the pediasure to drink.
When my son was little I always made him try what was made, if he tried it and honestly didn’t like it after 2 actual bites then I’d make him a sandwich and we’d try them again later. Now my son is a more adventurous eater then my hubby. He’s been eating sushi, fish and chips etc since he was 9. If we go out to dinner for something for him he always chooses some weird place lol
We don’t fight over food in my house. Adults don’t eat what they don’t like but think it’s ok to force a child to do it. I also serve something my child likes at every meal. I include them in meal planning as well. Also, children can have diagnoses that makes meals a struggle. Many kids on the spectrum only eat a few things.
I agree with teaching everything doesn’t always go his way, but I would also make sure he has a pedialyte or something to ensure growth and weight gain. His nutrition is more important than the point you are trying to make with him.
As a mother who has a child that is a picky eater I totally understand your struggle. Don’t give up and keep trying. At least I know I’m not the only mom with a picky eater and also under weight. Let’s figure this out together because it’s tough.
My oldest used to be like this, I found that if I let my kids help pick out dinner they are more likely to eat it. Within reason of course, I’ll give them the choices of our sides and they can pick out what type of veggies they want and if they want potatoes or rice. This helped so so much!
Omg just make the meals and if he doesn’t eat he don’t eat. stop worrying it. He is not going to starve. Leave only good things out to eat fruit veggies for him to get himself let him help u with cooking if he wants but stop making a deal out of it😳
With him being underweight I would def give him pediasure at least twice a day, I also do the peanut butter and jelly sandwich or bologna sandwich if mine don’t want what I make
What about asking him what he really likes to eat and then ask him to help you prepare it. Next night it’s what you like to eat but still have him help prepare it. Worth a try.
My Daughter was extremely picky …like Pancakes and hot dogs …I made meals I knew she would eat , I also allowed my children to graze ( eat every two hours ). I refused to let her go to sleep hungry …I catered to her needs , I was also able to fulfill the family. It is my job to make sure they get nutrients. Today she eats almost everything , she won’t eat Beef. She is almost 20 years old. I am a different breed , but my children were, and are happy. We didn’t not have the “food fight” I can’t eat when I am upset , and neither can my child or family. We introduced new things , but I always prepared at least one thing she would eat. We had the “ no thank you bite” .
My son he was what we called a grazer. He wouldn’t eat meals either. Yet he would “snack” through the day. Maybe have healthy “grazing” foods out. Then serve a “baby serving” during meals. That way he is still with the family. 
Also involving him in weekly meal choices helped too.
What does he like to eat? Hide veggies and protein in those things. The taste of the healthy stuff you put in it will start to help his taste buds grow. Also I did the 10 finger bites. You stick up your 10 fingers and every time he takes a bite he gets to put one finger down. If he gets all 10 then he gets a treat after dinner. If not no treat.
Another thing: make a whole well of meals he likes. Have the whole family eat the foods he likes. Then each week take one of his meal days and incorporate other foods on his plate. Maybe seeing the family eat his food and enjoy it he will branch out. Other wise…I would give my kids a bowl of cereal and call it a night. You are stressing out more than you need to. Be happy you have food to feed your family. There are alot worse out there. Good luck!
Involve him in preparing meals.
I would consider talking to a PA! There is a disease called ARFID or some call it “picky eater”! Do your research on ARFID. My friend has this and he can’t help it he’l won’t eat really anything! Only things he has tried before and stuff that looks and smells good. He also won’t eat any condiments and absolutely no greens. He has never even tried some of it he always says it looks good but really it’s just that he’s scared to even try it and just can’t
If he wasn’t underweight I would agree with your logic but I’m sorry if he needs more nutrition at this point I would be offering him something rather than nothing.
I have a son who’s a picky eater. I make sure I make his food on the side when I cook dinner. Unfortunately it’s extra work but if he doesn’t like it I don’t force him.to eat it. He eats the same 5 meals over and over. My oldet was the Same way and now is a vegan
I have severe sensory issues around food. I’m 23, 5’4 and 100 pounds. I always struggled with foods especially once I was forced to eat something. I cook all of our meals now but as a child I was severely underweight. My mom started letting me choose meals for the entire family. That were my safe foods. We ate a ton of spaghetti and chicken. But it was always a full meal. Of stuff that I picked out.
My son when younger woukd only eat chicken nuggets…so that is what he had every single meal…even when we went on holiday or to nans house chicken nuggets. As the Dr said…its better he eats something than nothing…this went on till he was about 10 0r 11…now he is 19 and eats anything and everything…
Yall do know withholding food from children is abuse and will only affect them even worse later in life? Whether that will be therapy, mental disorders, or eating disorders, or something even worse.
My daughter is slightly underweight for her age, but shes extremely tall too. And her doctor isn’t worried about it. But she’s still healthy. I dont force her to eat foods she doesn’t want too. Occasionally I try to get her to try a bite of something new. If she says no twice, I let it go. Hell, most nights I cook her something different than what everybody else eats.
If adults are allowed to be picky with what they eat, than children are too. Just because they’re small, doesn’t mean they aren’t human and can have their own preferences.
Have you ever just sat and talked to him? Maybe he just needs to connect with you, this person that came in and stole his father? My son was such a picky eater when he was little and his pediatrician said if all he wants is eggs, give him eggs at least he’ll eat that right now. So while not giving into his “tantrums” your starving him. Pretend he was your biological kid and ask yourself that question again.
I was the same way as a kid. As I got older I was more willing to try things. Stay patient…or maybe try occupational therapy because maybe he has some texture issues or something else going…if he only eats certain things have those things there so at least he’s eating something.
My son has autism. Some meals he ate ice cream. I didn’t care as long as he was eating. Now he’s 16 and 6’4 with a healthy weight.
Everyone ate the same thing growing up in my house. If you didn’t you went hungry because mom is not a line cook. If you threw a tantrum over it you watched everyone else eat dessert. I did the same with mine and there’s nothing wrong with it. Teaching them to be grateful for the food placed in front of them and that you don’t always get what you want is essential as they get to school age. The only time frame in which we catered some what was up to age 4. After that we are preparing our child to go out into the world (school to begin with), how to behave and how to address an issue. I use to assign days to each household member on which they could choose what we ate (they got to choose from options already stocked in house and also got to help pick things out when grocery shopping…that helped them learn to think ahead as far as what they were going to choose when their day to pick the meal came). Also everyone took vitamin supplements. That way there was less chance of resistance and if there was we knew they’re bodies were still supplied with the key nutrients it needed.
My oldest was like that and very picky he still is picky but he is only 5’ 3" and about 140 but he eats better now that he is responsible for his own food, although when he wax younger he did like fruits and would try weird fruits so I bought 1 new one a week for him to try. I also have 3 others who weren’t as picky and my girls gave always out eat both my boys…but boyfriends daughter eats very little also, she never complains about food and she will eat about anything but not big portions and has lost a significant amount in last 6 months and grown taller so we just monitor that she at least is eating something
My daughter does this. 
after about an hour of sitting at the table if she hasn’t eaten she will go play or watch a movie for an hour and then back to the table with either the same thing or something else she will eat. I don’t really care if she doesn’t like what I made. She will eat some of it or try it but I will give her something she will eat.
Sounds like you need to get him pediasure. He’s under weight and you don’t give him any other option.
He could just not like your cooking 
that’s how my daughter is with her grandparents, that’s why she gets cereal, chicken nuggets or a microwave macaroni bowl most the time with them 
She never said she don’t feed him she said he’s very picky eater and what cook and put on the table is what everyone is going to eat , the doctor told her the right thing they know best , bc that would be fair if she had other kids in the house he gets to pick what he wants to eat … I swear it’s these new kind of kids
I think id much rather see my kids happy and eating, than being told he is under weight and unhappy. Yes, tantrums happen and yes its expected to teach them better. But i refuse to starve my children. They will learn later.
Where is his father in all this because he is your stepchild so why is it the father isn’t stepping up to address the issue with you
Protein shakes…supplement his calories…get protein powder to add to juices and water. Find out what he does like and make him help plan meals…teach him to cook…
WOW. What a shit “parent”.
ETA: He probably has sensory/texture issues and here you are punishing him for it.
Sit and think of all the things you know for a fact he likes to eat and make sure they are added to your grocery list. Then give him 2 choices each meal from his list of foods. I mean seriously are you gonna eat something you don’t like? It’s food and not that difficult to make something else for him IMO. I ask for my kids input on dinner to avoid an issue because they are picky eaters. If I want to make something I know they won’t eat then I always have alternatives for the to choose from. Choose your battles. You may find with being given choices and a little control over his own food and proper nutrition he may be happier and pleasant. Kids like to feel a part of things. I had a rule that you had to at least try it one bite 1st before you refuse to eat and you would be surprised how often they actually ended up enjoying something. 
I would continue to do what u r doing but maybe squeeze in a nutritional smoothie at least once a day or pediasure. This way u will still be sticking to ur rules but he will also get some nutrients to help him grow. I even do milkshakes. I’ll use several strawberries, some vanilla ice cream and milk or blueberries. U could even do a banana and cocoa. U could sneak in some protein mix.l for extra nutrients.
When my kids were young I allowed them to choose what they wanted to eat. I did this because as adults we have the freedom of choice. We can get up and get what we want. Kids can’t do that. They are at the mercy of the adults around them.
I’d ask my kids to try something once, if they didn’t like it I made something else for them.
They are grown now and eat a wide variety of foods.
Now my 4yr old grandson has an issue with his tongue. His dr said it’s a sensory issue. He won’t eat certain things. So we feed him the things he will eat and he isn’t underweight. We just had to get the right foods and keep them in stock at home.
It’s a tough situation you’re in hon. I definitely understand where you are coming from and what you’re trying to teach him. I do.
I just don’t know that I’d continue that path if he is underweight.
Good luck to you❤
I deal with this with 4 (6,5,4,&2) out of 6 of my kids. The rule is you eat what you are given. If I know for a fact they absolutely do not like something (onion and mushrooms mainly) I won’t make them eat that but otherwise they eat what I make. After so long they just go to bed. But that means everyone else has finished their plates, usually more than one, dinner has been put away, and it’s bed time. They also don’t get any special treats and snacks after dinner and only milk or water to drink. Usually breakfast and lunch I let them pick but dinner nope. I’m cooking you’ll eat what I cook. When I go shopping I do try to ask them for some ideas of what they’d like and my 8 year old is really hands on and likes to cook so if she wants to cook that night (with supervision of course) I let her pick what to make. But she’s honestly my best eater. I’ve talked to their doctor and told her how we do it and all she’s says is we offer them food they choose not to eat, it’s on them. Don’t force them but they will eat when they are hungry. But when my 6 year old was 3 or 4 they did have me give her PediaSure when she wouldn’t eat.
Meal time should always be pleasant. Some children on the autism spectrum have immature taste buds and will only eat certain foods. Feed him what he will eat but continue to offer new foods. My child didn’t try tacos until he was 12 and they had to be chicken. The fact that you are making meal time a battle is heartbreaking 
I think your behavior and beliefs are child abuse especially since he is under weight.
Maybe he is struggling with his parents not being together? Maybe he gets anxiety at your house?
My son has been extremely picky his whole life. I don’t mean slightly picky … I mean, I can count on my two hands things he’ll actually eat. I feed him what I know he’ll eat. You say you don’t give in and then complain that he’s underweight and doesn’t eat… well, there’s your problem. Feed him what he’ll eat. Rocket science, I know. Imagine someone trying to force you to eat something you don’t like every day. Duh.
I will not make my kids a separate meal. However, if they want to make themselves a sandwich or a bow of cereal then so be it. I don’t make them eat what we are having, but I also don’t cook a whole other meal for them. I look at it as a way to find a little balance, and for my kid to feel like they have a little control over her meals. I mean, if someone looked at me every meal and said, you eat this or nothing…it would kind of suck.
The grandparents are doing it right, you’re doing it wrong. Do NOT let him go without food, he needs it. The more you fight him, the more chance that he’ll develop an eating disorder, if he hasn’t already. You wouldn’t like being forced to go hungry because you literally couldn’t eat something you don’t like, so don’t treat him that way. It won’t kill you to make him a sandwich if he doesn’t like what’s being made. The whole ‘if they’re hungry enough they’ll eat’ is bullshit, and dangerous bullshit. My daughter would rather starve that eat something she cannot stand. I won’t let her starve, so I always make sure she has something she likes.
You should be ashamed of yourself for letting a child go hungry because you can’t be bothered to take his preferences in to consideration.
My youngest has autism and he food aversions . Maybe you should consult with his pediatrician about any other odd behaviors . Idk but if my child’s step mother did not let me child have something else and let him go to sleep hungry I would have a huge problem .
I either ate what my parents made or went hungry
I don’t eat what I don’t like and don’t expect kids to either.
Perhaps he has an eating disorder? Or a sensory issue? If your doctor’s best recommendation was to let him go to bed hungry so at least he’ll eat breakfast, I’d say it’s time to get a new doctor - one who doesn’t have his head up his ass.