Problems with My 3 Year Old!!!!!

One thing that we tried with my son at about that age was what we called a new food chart. For every new food he tried (at least 2-3 bites that he swallowed!), he would get to pick out a sticker to put on the chart. For every 5 new foods/stickers, he earned a prize (a new train, matchbox car, etc.). I had a prize box that he got to pick his prize. The chart was on the frig so when there were 4 stickers in a row with 1 blank spot we could say you only need to try one more new food and you get a prize, etc. Good luck!

Stop making pizza and popcorn chicken. At our house, I make ONE meal for EVERYONE. If they don't want it, they can put their plate in the fridge and I will heat it up if they get hungry later. No snacks or desserts to quell their hunger either. They get a choice if I make a compromise with them to eat... they can either eat 3 BIG bites or 10 LITTLE bites. They usually choose 3 big bites.

For now, treat the tantrum, not the food issue. Do not cater to the tantrum.
It could be an independence issue, it could be a texture issue... and it will likely pass if you keep offering the same things and not give in (tough, I know!). When my boys ramp up, they get a short timeout away from the dinner table. When they are ready to calm down, they are welcome back to eat. After dinner, we can have a special treat if we eat without a fuss, but if not, no special treat. Special treat doesn't always mean food, it could mean 30 mins of video game play, play dough time, an extra story book read, or an actual, yummy edible treat. It's always a surprise. My kids (3 and 5) are usually very good eaters though, and that means, lots of veggies too.

So what if he gets mad? He's going to have to learn that he either eats what you provide, or he doesn't eat. Stand your ground, mama. He'll get the picture rather quickly if you consistently refuse to give in to his demands.

I've had issues on and off with all my kids. I was just persistent. I'd treat every meal like they liked it. I didn't assume they wouldn't like it and serve something different. I'd serve them and strongly encourage them to at least try the food. I'd let them eat something else too but not feast too much and definately no dessert. I didn't want them having a treat but I also didn't want them going hungry. Over time, they all started eating better. He may be stubborn but you can be even more stubborn. =) Don't fight him but be matter of fact. He needs to try everything every time. Good luck!

I agree with quit making the different meals. He knows you will so of course that is all he will want to eat. I make one meal and if my son (4) choses not to eat it then no meal and no snack later on. I do not give in to him being picky when i know he likes it. If i am making a new recipe and he tries it but does not like it then he can have a sandwich or something but i will not make extra meals. Good luck!

It's normal for kids to have food jags. And in your case, sounds like a power struggle too. But it makes things much worse worse and it makes them endless if you short order cook for everyone! Cook only one meal for everyone! Include variety in these meals. Your son might whine and cry for a couple of days, but he won't starve; he'll start eating when he's hungry enough and when he knows you're serious. I try to include at least one food that I know my kids will eat, along with one new-ish food at each dinner. If my kids don't touch the dinner, I wrap it up and save it for later/snacktime.

Just remember that the boy will not starve. Mine was a great eater, then he wasn't, then he was, now..... you get the picture. The Yo Gabba Gabba song "try it, you'll like it" helped for a while.Now when it comes time to make dinner, if I am making something I KNOW he won't like, I make him something else. That is a rare occasion though and when he asks what we are having, I tell him he won't like it. Of course then he WANT'S it - so I let him try it. He makes a face (and is learning to not spit things back out) and low and behold - MOMMY WAS RIGHT. So that part helps with other stuff too

My son was a really good eater too. Then, he started the "I don't like that". One day he likes something, the next day he doesn't. Who knows what is going to eat from one day to the next?!?! Luckily, he is not so bad that he will only eat one or two things.

Around here, there is one meal served. My son has three choices.
1) He can eat it and like it.
2) He can take a bite or two (depending on what size bites) of everything on his plate, then if he doesn't like any of it he may have a yogurt, banana, or something,
3) He can not eat it and then have to wait until the next meal without any snacks (However, he is still required to sit at the table. That way he can't say that he doesn't like it so that he can go off and play.)
IT'S HIS CHOICE, 1, 2 or 3!!!
We will try to encourage him to eat it, but if he really doesn't want to, we don't force the issue.

As for the anger... Say something like "I know your angry because you don't like ____. However, the (behavior) is not acceptable. Please stop, calm down, and use your words." If he refuses to calm down, give him a consequence, such as going straight to bed after dinner. He must be really tired and that is why he is acting like that. Right? ;-)

Three things: stop making different foods for one meal! My Mom always said, if you don't like what's being served, make it yourself! I have adopted this philosophy in my house and I stick by it. But I also would never put anything out that I know they definitely don't like.

Second: stop making a big deal about food and eating! I NEVER made a big deal about the food being served and from Day One my kids have eaten vegetables of all sorts, including brussel sprouts, and just about anything else I've put on the table. No, they're not fat nor do they have eating issues.

Third: if your son gets hungry enough, he'll eat. Just be sure you're offering healthy food choices.

Has something changed in your household that has caused him to develop anger issues? Maybe there's something unresolved somewhere and has nothing to do with food but he's using this because it's something he can control. Just things to think about! Good luck!!