He Eats!

by Kate Peterson

OK so we made it through our first week with this new feeding “program”. I still find it a bit hard to not be a food pusher, but it IS working!!! This week, my 19-month old tried tater tots, a bagel with cream cheese and a waffle. He still won’t touch the asparagus, but I do have hope.

We are going to try a Happy Meal tonight. Ok, not the healthiest of meals, but since he is in the 3rd percentile for his weight, I figure one Happy Meal is not going hurt.

Help! My Toddler Doesn't Eat

by Kate Peterson

I attended a seminar the other night to try to do SOMETHING about my 19-month old who doesn't eat. We have already seen the gastroenterologist and know how to fatten him up (adding Carnation instant breakfast to his bottles and changing up milk for egg nog). But I feel like a food pusher at every meal.

The seminar was based a book by Ellyn Satter and the primary teachings are that the adults decide on what the child eats, where they eat it and when. The child decides on how much they eat and whether they eat a particular item or not. It is definitely a different approach - no rewarding for doing a good job and at the same time, no scolding for not eating.

I am giving it a try. It's been hard to hold my tongue and not encourage him to eat. My son is tiny - always has been. At 19 months he is 21 pounds and 31 inches tall. His father and I are on the small side as well. I'll post weekly updates so check back!