Toddler Rejecting Go to Staples

This is very normal. Their taste buds change quickly at this point and their likes and dislike change in the blink of an eye. Don't start catering now, he will out grow it and if you take the 'anything to get him to eat' road, you will be stuck eating nothing but pancakes and mac-n-cheese till he's 12. Keep offering him a variety of foods and keep requesting that he at least try it. But don't push or make an argument about it (he will dig in his heels at that point). It will get better, you just have to tough it out for a while. The stomach bug may also have a lot to do with his recent change in taste.

P.S. His thinness is more likely due to his growth and development and being sick at this point than his picky eating, I wouldn't worry about it.

So glad you are getting good responses, 'cause I'm not going to be of any help... I thought you meant that your todler wouldn't go to Staples. I was thinking that perhaps you should change to Office Max!

I feel where you're coming from! Been there! I don't have a magic solution but found that it was key NOT to push things too hard, even the new stuff you hope will tempt your kid. I agree with you that his recent stomach bug may be making him, on an unconscious level, associate even favorite foods with feeling bad. Add in the fact that he's a toddler - and toddlers figure out that eating is something THEY can control, hence "no no no" -- and you have a recipe for a lot of minimal eating at times. I would keep offering the staples that are blandest first; do try the sneaky foods that include veggies etc., and most of all do not make it a battle, or even plead with him nicely. That will telegraph to him that this all matters to you, and even the sweetest kid will take that as "Aha! It matters to the grown-up! And I am in charge here so...no, no, no!" It's a classic toddler phase as they realize (same happens with potty training!) that eating, sleeping and pooping are all in their control and not yours. If you ask too much he'll exert his control. I might offer things and then just focus on your own meal or something else. He will possibly eat a little more if you're not even looking, or not even at the table. This too shall pass, but I know it's not fun for now!

i wouldnt stress. just offer normal diet. give his tummy a chance to recover for awhile and i bet his appetite will return.toddlers are normally quite picky eaters..

my kids have had multiple illnesses this winter.. viral and bacterial and they are both very skinny... i dotn think they have gained an ounce since october..

I wouldn't stress. Instead of looking at it a day at a time, maybe keep track of what he east during a week...and you'll notice a different pattern.

There are so days when my 2 year old seems to exist on air, but then there are days when I wonder about the fabled hollowed leg. I think it probably evens out.

Food jags are also common, especially after being sick...if there's one thing he wants to eat and it's relatively healthy, let him have it. Again and again. He'll eventually want something else!

Some of it is probably just him asserting his independence. Some may be due to reluctance to eat after recent stomach bug. Some is probably just due to the fact that kids like to push our buttons. :)

Since he does have occasions where he eats heartily (are they far fewer than the "no" periods?), I wouldn't worry to much. I definitely wouldn't cajole with numerous options.

My 3.5 yr old has always been a GREAT eater, but she has her periods where she doesn't really each much. I give her the choice of what we're having for dinner (plus the option of a treat/dessert if she finishes that) or a pb&j sandwich (which is one of her "staples") with no treat/dessert.

Also, what about asking what he would like for snacks? Maybe it will help you get a feel of what taste/texture he likes that day.

Good luck and lots of patience sent your way!

I have a picky one that never really out grew it, sad to say. But when he was at his worst like this I would give him a vitamin and that would stimulate his appetite as well as give him a vitamin boost.

I would feed him something he probably will eat, something he might eat and a wild card. When my DD turned 1, she started getting pickier for a while. I think toddlers have so little they can control and food is one thing they latch onto. While you can certainly try those recipes (and yes, I admit to adding flavor to milk for DD) I would just keep trying without making meal time a battle. I think if he's been sick, it might also be part of it. My DD is not a pizza kid, but occasionally at a party she'll eat some - peer pressure! And if your son won't eat stuffed peppers, send them to me. Yum!

GRRRR I had my response and then POOF! Gone!

My son pulled this too, what helped was letting him explore the kitchen and his tastes. My son came up with things like Chili Mac, Corn Dogs & Yogurt, Mini Wheats and fruit cup. I figured out how HE could help and make the foods. Microwave, pouring milk into cup so he can pour it himself, mixing etc. Get him more involved in his food choices.

My now 6yr old loves to make his own lunch and breakfasts now, sometimes he makes something for all. I think if you gave him some responsibility regarding the food you may see different results.

My kids were never fooled by those hidden nutrition recipes! It's probably a phase. Let him chose what he wants to eat for now. If all he wants is pb&j for every meal, then let him have it, without making an issue.

Yep - do the Jerry Seinfeld's wife's deal. At least do it until he isn't quite so thin. You very well may find that you get him liking the taste of the hidden foods.

He's a toddler. After being sick, it may take a while for him to gain the weight back. You can be a little more strict after he gains back the weight.

Dawn