Help with son's diet...

P

Penny Springmann

New member
My youngest turned 4 in October and I'm beyond frustrated with his diet. I hope some of you might be able to give me some strategies to work with him. We have a Doctor appointment in late January, but last time I brought up his diet I was told all kids "are like this to a certain extent."

Long story short, he has a very limited diet and it's getting smaller.

He survives on cereal (Cheerios all types and a few others), cheese, crackers, juice, raisins, peanut butter, mac and cheese (BOX ONLY), milk, and anything candy/cake like....

He has stopped eating rice, waffles, yogurt, and his vitamins.

I'm pretty sure he has some sensory issues. He's gagged before when eating something he didn't want so he could get dessert. He can't stand it if a food he doesn't like is on his plate. He will ask what smells, and then ask us to move the dish away from him.

Now when we tell him he has to eat something to get dessert, he says, "I don't want dessert tonight," and walks away.

I'm seriously at a loss and plan on asking for a referral to have him tested, but I'm hoping some of you might have some ideas.

Thank you so much!
 
It's frustrating, I'm sure. I know of some kiddos that will only eat chicken nuggets or chicken strips. They do have some sensory issues. I can only imagine that it's ten times worse for little kids that have sensory issues to eat some things.

From what I understand, different textures and tastes can be really tough for these kiddos.

I'm sorry, I know I'm not much help. But I wish you luck. My niece has/had sensory issues. She is in first grade and still only eats certain foods and refuses to even try anything that isn't the norm for her.
 
Okay, my best friend has a son who is autistic. He has issues with gagging if he doesn't want the food. And my friend gets all upset. When he is at my house he has no choice. I have 5 kids, I am not cooking another meal. So maybe he doesn't eat, but he doesn't get snacks either.
As a matter of fact, when she was a child she would not eat. Her food couldn't touch. She actually gave herself an ulcer from not eating. Apple/Tree!
But if your son is not autistic and just being a 4 year old, I say stop buying cereal and crackers. Eventually he will be hungry. And then you offer real food. My kids eat everything. Some things they like more than others. But whatever we have, they eat. SO I say buy some apples and wait until the munchies kick in. A boy can't live on carbohydrates alone.
 
Ask for a referral....definitely find out what is going on with your child...so you can find out answers or ways to help. I have a child with mild autism...so I know a bit of this happens here too. Finding out and getting some help will make a difference. Good luck!
 
One of my twins (just turned 6) is not really hip on most meats unless it is like a burger,hot dog/brat, meatloaf and most chicken. He will sit at the table well after everyone else is done and play with the food and complain that it is too chewy or he has too big of a piece in his mouth and will spit it out after chewing on it for a long period of time. He has gagged before too but only a few times and we think he did it on purpose. He has not done it in a while so who knows what that was about. If he could survive on Yogurt, Pizza, Milk & PBJ he would. He was not like that when he was younger, in fact he ate like a pig from the time he was born so I really don't know what has changed. I too think he has some issues because he is not doing all that great in school where as his twin is picking up on things a lot quicker and is showing improvement. I want to give it more time and see what happens but I am starting to get a little worried.

I don't think any of what I said will help but I hope you get some answers and things settle down for you soon.
 
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Penny Springmann said:
He survives on cereal (Cheerios all types and a few others), cheese, crackers, juice, raisins, peanut butter, mac and cheese (BOX ONLY), milk, and anything candy/cake like....

Thank you so much!
Click to expand...

Cheerios - good grain food better than Count Chocula! LOL
cheese, peanut butter, milk - all protein. needs the fat value in here so don't buy low fat/non fat
juice - buy juicy juice or other 100% fruit juice - gives much of the vitamins and minerals needed.
Mac and cheese - not a bad food really.
raisins - can count as fruit servings
crackers - not much nourishment value here but that's ok.

All in all, his diet isn't that terribly bad. he's getting from each group. A few vegetable servings added would make for a decent diet, even for a 4 year old.

Maybe do some veggies and dip or apples/other fruits dipped in hershey syrup to help encourage intake.

Some people just can't take certain textures/smells. he may outgrow this. As long as he's healthy and not losing weight, it shouldn't be a problem.

But as always, consult your doctor. A dietician may be able to give you some more hints and tips to boost good intake vs. bad foods.
 
My Cameron was the EXACT same way. Would gag at anything that looked, smelled, or felt "gross" to him. He survived on chicken, toast, and a few other various things. Then when he was almost five years old he started expanding his eating. And now, at almost seven he eats most anything we put in front of him. But he still gags at the smell of peanutbutter.
Oh, and he did have sensory issues when he was younger. He's *mostly* grown out of them all. If I were you, I'd get him checked out but with the understand that he will *probably* grow out of this stage.
Its frustrating, though. I know from experience.
Good luck hon.
 
I have a 4yr old too and she goes thru picky stages where EVERYTHING she eats has to be able to be in the form of a taco (soft..so wraps work lol). I combat it with letting her choose 1 night a week to plan the menu with me (all my kids get a night). WIll he eat maybe some fish sticks or chicken nuggets AND mac n cheese? I'd try his staples he likes and try and add more into his diet. I wouldn't push it too hard though, he seems to be getting enough nutrients and a kid won't starve if there is food around.

I myself have texture issues and I'm 32 years old and my food still CAN NOT touch

Also, coming from somebody that's had a history of an obsessive eating disorder I really don't suggest the cleaning your plate, or having to eat something before you get something else technique. I had a dr tell me once he'd rather me eat candy and chocolate cake for breakfast than eat nothing at all =) I still live by that rule now lol

Good luck! I know it's frustrating though. I think asking his opinion on meals might help some. He'll feel like he has input and a say in the meal and sometimes that's all that matters is what he feels. He'll feel like he helped and be proud and hopefully will eat it all up!
 
I agree with what Heather D. said. Don't get your self in the habit of making several diferent meals for everyone.

Now that being said, I have two sons who fit me on eating. I usually let it go until they are three. Then I start the bartering system. My oldest son doesn't play this game. I say eat your salad and you can have ice cream. He will usually just go to bed early over eating a salad. He is getting better as he gets older. He is 7 now. with my 5yr old he is eat for me if I promise him something else. So if he what wants some pretzels (which he loves) I ask him to eat two slices of apples. He usually throws a fit, then he watches me put the pretzels away and leave the kitchen. He will grab two apples eat them and then say he is ready for pretzels. To which I respond that for throwing a tantrum he needs to eat 2 more pieces. Which he does and while he is eating I will get him the pretzels put some in a bowl then hand them to him. He is just a very visual kid.

I know I am babbling. Just stick to your guns. He won't always be like this. He will eventually grow out of it. Just keep introducing him to new foods and teach him that he needs to take at least one bit of something new.

Good luck!
 
ok I stopped reading the replies because I don't feel like they understand where you are coming from. From previous posts your son sounds a lot like mine. My son is now 7 yrs old. I truly believe my son has Sensory Processing Disorder.

If he is showing other sensory related signs then these food issues are definitely related. I know it is frustrating (believe me I do!) But you CAN NOT force him to eat foods he isn't comfortable eating. I know some of the advise has been to make him eat what you prepare, and not give into to his needs but I think that is very traumatizing for a sensory different child. Try to figure out a different way to get him the vitamins, maybe vitamin drops that you can put in the juice?? The rest isn't that bad in all honesty. It will just take more sensory training/therapy to expand his diet.

Occasionally Anthony will try something new and like it. For example we caught crabs on vacation and then cooked them. He helped crack the crabs and did taste it! Now he loves it.

I have joined a Yahoo Group that I read, but rarely post on. Most have actually switched to CFGF diets (Casin Free Gluten Free) and it helps with the other symptoms of the disorder. Anthony has a Casin free diet and I just don't have the local resources to go Gluten Free (on Trader Joes for about 300 miles) This may or may not work for your son, but wanted to include that info as well.
 
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It's frustrating, isn't it? But I agree that it sounds like he may have some sensory issues and you may need someone to work with him to help expand his foods.

I have 2 kids with sensory issues, I think. I know for sure that my 2-year old has some mild sensory issues because he sees speech and physical therapists for other issues and they've recognized the sensory issues and work with him on them. He tends to underreact to sensations, and he still won't eat foods like yogurt that have too little texture for him. I've never had my 5 year old evaluated because his sensory issues are milder than your DS's and he's outgrown some of them, but I think he overreacts to sensory input including food tastes. We have a 1 bite rule, but honestly I don't know if it's making any difference. Maybe we'll see a payoff down the road, but his eating hasn't changed in the 2.5 years we've been doing the 1-bite rule.

To expand his foods some, maybe you could try foods very similar to ones he already likes. So if he likes raisins, will he eat the dried cranberries (Craisins)? Any other dried fruits? There are some chips made from dried vegetables, IIRC. Maybe he'd eat those.

Lots of times pediatricians take a 'let's wait and see' approach when it comes to identifying issues like these. Press for that eval now, so you can start getting your DS the help he needs.
 
It's hard, isn't it? I don't have a magic answer for you - but I really hope you find a solution. It can be tough being a Mom!
 
Thanks everyone!

I do think it's a sensory issues because there are other factors. He hates loud noises, all tags must be removed from clothes, #2 issues, etc. The nonfood stuff seems to be getting better as he gets older, so I hope the diet does as well.

Rachel, I tried Craisins and he TOTALLY refused to touch them, and we've purchased some pedia-sure (sp) and he KNEW it was NOT chocolate milk and totally refused to drink it.

It's nice to know I'm not the only one with a kiddo with food issues! :)
 
Penny,

Sorry to hear you're having troubles...I have a friend though whose little guy (4) has some sensory issues and sees a couple therapists too - but she says what helped most was a group they attend called "Feeding Friends" - I think that's it. It's a group setting with other kids and they work work with them and encourage etc (I'm not sure exactly)...maybe your area has something like that - it might be just a once a week thing. Her son only ate crackers (starchy type crunchy foods), bananas, millk, chocolate and peanut butter on pretzels.
 
I have no advice but wanted to chime in and say I feel for you. My 7yo is extremely picky too and it is so frustrating. He gags on food sometimes but this has been happening less frequently. I'm somewhat picky myself so I try not to force him too much. I blame it all on starting him on solids too early. I just don't think he was ready.

Costco sells juice boxes that are vitamin-fortified (Kirkland-Hansen brand). I try to limit juice though.
 
Just wanted to ask if you have tried the Gummy Bear looking vitamins for him? If he likes candy maybe he would like those...I think they make gum ball ones too...just a thought!!!
 
I haven't read the replies, Penny, but I am that way with lots of foods, too. I can't stand the smell, I can't force myself to eat them, I would rather eat nothing then be forced to eat them. Still to this day and my mom says I have been that way since I was a baby. I actually watched a show recently on adults that are that same way, they considered it an illness that just didn't have a name yet, though I think that might be a bit much. I seriously cannot eat any meat (yes, that includes chicken and fish), berries, dumplings, kiwi and a few other things. As a child, I actually did throw up a few times from being forced to eat them and there was times I would sit at the table for an hour refusing to eat it, but not being allowed to leave the table until I did. I just can't make myself.

Anyway, have you heard of that book that helps you hide good foods in normal kid favorites? You could give that a try. If not, just keep feeding him what he likes, limit the not so great food and watching to make sure he is still getting what he needs. I know it must be frustrating cause my mom was a bit ticked that my son eats anything and everything after having to deal with me. lol
 
Hijack!

Crap! I now think my son has sensory issues after reading this thread! I need more info girls! How do I determine if he really is? Where do I get the best info! HELP!

As for the eating things, like Luann said, it could be a lot worse stuff he is eating, at least he's hitting all the food groups! ;)
 
lovely1m said:
Anyway, have you heard of that book that helps you hide good foods in normal kid favorites? You could give that a try. If not, just keep feeding him what he likes, limit the not so great food and watching to make sure he is still getting what he needs. I know it must be frustrating cause my mom was a bit ticked that my son eats anything and everything after having to deal with me. lol
Click to expand...

Mari, I have it, but the only catch is that he has to eat the food in order for me to be sneaky....LOL.
 
pbumbaca said:
Hijack!

Crap! I now think my son has sensory issues after reading this thread! I need more info girls! How do I determine if he really is? Where do I get the best info! HELP!

As for the eating things, like Luann said, it could be a lot worse stuff he is eating, at least he's hitting all the food groups! ;)
Click to expand...

http://www.out-of-sync-child.com/

That book is a great place to start if anyone suspects that their child might have sensory processing/integration issues.

Devin has sensory issues regarding food. Some nights we do make him "eat" what we eat. His tongue has to touch each food item that's being served. Devin's sensory issues have pushed into food fears and an automatic assumption that "Oh, that's green. I don't like broccoli and since broccoli is green, I won't like peas either because they're green." Because of that, he has to taste (not necessarily chew and swallow) foods that he's refusing.

That said, I do still make separate meals for Devin. He's mostly gluten free at this point, so he gets Naked Nuggets (they're just chicken nuggets without breading. Most Costcos carry them.), lots of gluten-free breads/pastas, fruits (he'll willingly eat apples and mandarin oranges, occasionally he'll eat a bite of a banana), carrots and yogurt. My mom's convinced that I'm coddling him, that if I just force the food into him, he'll eat it. It. Doesn't. Work.

If anyone thinks that they're child has these issues, it's time to request testing from the school district, the pediatrician, whomever will listen. Don't wait to see if they outgrow it. What's the worst that can happen? Honestly, nothing. Only good can come out of testing. I know, I know. I doesn't seem that way. Trust me though, even receiving word that your fears have been confirmed is a GOOD thing. It means that your child can receive the treatment/therapy that s/he needs. It means that you're not a crackpot or an overeactive parent. Yes, receiving an actual diagnosis is a blow. I won't lie. Even years after D's diagnosis with Asperger's, et al., it's hard for me. At times, I still wonder if I could have done something else, something different to change the outcome of D's life.

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now. LOL!
 
Well, I have FIVE picky eaters in my house. Including my husband. My boys are not little anymore (16, 14, 10, 10) and they have gotten better over the years, but it is still an issue. My oldest didn't touch meat until he was about 11 (well, he did when he was really little, but then started refusing to eat it). Protein was an issue with him so we gave him protein shakes every morning. Still do. He now does eat lots of meat, but he is still very picky. My other 3 boys are also picky, each in their own way.

We tried everything over the years until meals just became a nightmare. At one point, I just decided not to make it an issue anymore. If they didn't want what we were having, then there were chicken nuggets in the freezer, or Ramen noodles in the cupboard.

All I can say is that it has gotten better, but not great. However, if DH won't eat everything, then my kids are never going to either.

That said, my kids are extremely bright (all are "gifted"), extremely healthy (my twins had perfect attentence last year at school), and very active in sports, etc. Our pediatrician was fully aware of the problems, but as long as the boys were growing and active and healthy, we lived with it. Every time we went to the doctor, I would have to give a rundown of the foods the boys were eating. The doctor wanted to see that they were progressing.

None of of my boys are big eaters, and I'm beginning to think they never will be. My DH never was either.

Hang in there...you aren't alone! Hopefully he will grow out of it and like others have said, his diet isn't terrible, just limited.
 
I have one son with Aspergers and another son with high-functioning autism. My son with Aspergers was one of those kids with a 5 food repertoire. He is now 9 and his sensory issues have improved dramatically. He still has some things he will refuse to try or will gag uncontrollably when he does try, but I really think in his case it has gradually improved as he has aged. It sounds like your son is quite similar.

Have you read "The Out of Sync Child"?

edit - LOL I just saw someone else mentioned the book. There is a companion book as well called "The Out Of Sync Child Has Fun" that is good for helping you find activities for the kids to help with specific sensory issues. Most of the activities were the same things we did in OT.
 
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Honestly, I think it's fairly normal for that age to be picky about eating. Certainly ALL my friends have complained that their pre-schoolers won't eat things that they all happily ate when they were babies. My son has been a very picky eater for about 3 years. He is 6 now and still won't eat most "real" food (he eats the usual chicken nuggets, mac & cheese, etc), so we just try to make sure we have something that he will eat at every meal (he loves fruit, so at least that's a help). We do strongly urge him to try new things, and sometimes he will. He is finally starting to get better about it -- this year he has added hamburgers, baked chicken and salami to the list of food that he will eat. So, there is hope!

oh, and I may have posted about this before, but some people -- called "super-tasters" -- have a gene which makes them much more sensitive to certain bitter chemicals in foods and to very rich foods (people with the gene have way more taste buds on their tongues). These people (ahem, like me) tend to really dislike veggies. I pretty much force myself to eat vegetables every single day of my life.

Here's some info about super-tasters to prove I'm not making this up!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/body/articles/senses/supertaster.shtml
 
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My boys have had their moments of being picky. I use cookie cutters to cut the food out in shapes and that helps! And adding things to make faces is fun too; chocolate chips, raisins or use other condiments to make faces on different foods. Making food fun can easily spark a want to taste it so get creative!
 
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